By James Gwati-The President Emmerson Mnangagwa government has assigned Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni to deal with touts who are harassing travellers in Harare, raising questions about his seriousness in wanting to eradicate these thugs.

The controversial reaction by Mnangagwa follows the circulation on social media recently of a video in which a woman was filmed crying while being harassed by touts at an unidentified bus terminus.

The circulating video on social media platforms shows a woman being forcefully dragged by touts as she fights and cries while another is also seen pulling away from her luggage.

Nyoni confirmed to the state media that she had been tasked to deal with touting.

“Eventually, we want to witness the removal of touts from all bus termini. Public spaces must be safe for all and may it be known that the law enforcing agents shall not deal with this lightly.

“My ministry has engaged relevant Government departments and local authorities to nip these inhumane acts of gender-based violence in the bud,” she said.