COMMUTER omnibuses and pirate taxis, which were barred from operating during lockdown are now playing hide and seek with the police in high density suburbs where they are unlawfully ferrying desperate vendors to and from fresh produce markets.

They are also offering transport to some other people who are sneaking into town in breach of the Covid-19 laws.

As early as 4am, kombis and Honda Fit pirate taxis will be plying different routes transporting vendors who are facing transport challenges.

Some desperate vendors are walking from as far as Kuwadzana to Lusaka market in Highfield daily to buy vegetables for resale.

Others walk from places like St Mary’s in Chitungwiza to Chikwanha market because of transport challenges.

Another category of vendors is hiring pushcarts to ferry vegetables to their homes.

Despite the ban on commuter omnibuses or other motorists who are not exempted, some motorists are taking advantage of the absence of the police on the roads in the early hours, to ferry passengers.
Most of the transporters illegally ferry vendors between 4am and 8am.

Some roadblocks and checkpoints in residential areas are dismounted in the evening with security forces resuming duties at around 8am.

Government recently ordered the opening of green markets from 6am and 10am daily where farmers sell their produce to urbanites.

However, no transport arrangements were made for the vendors and other people who go to the markets every morning to buy food.- State media