Kombi operators in Nkulumane have staged an indefinite strike refusing to operate as they protest against an unscrupulous police force robbing them of their hard earned cash.
Running battles erupted in Nketa, Nkulumane, Sizinda and eMganwini townships between armed Zimbabwe Republic Police and scores of kombi drivers and touts. The country’s public transport operators are complaining of sustained harassment by the police who demand spot ‘fines’ without stating the offence committed.
Hundreds of people in Nketa, Nkulumane and Emganwini high density suburbs in Bulawayo were left stranded.
School children, workers and other travellers were left stranded when commuter operators parked their vehicles in protest over alleged harassment by the police.
When the ZBC News arrived in the suburbs, hundreds of people could be seen milling around while others had to walk to work upon realising that time was not on their side.
A representative of the striking commuter omnibus operators said they decided on the industrial action not to carry passengers as police are demanding too much money from them.
Riot police had to be called in after some rowdy commuter operators threatened to overturn some private cars which were carrying people.
Efforts to get a comment from the Bulawayo Police Spokesperson, Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo were fruitless as he referred this reporter to National Traffic Police Spokesperson, Inspector Tigere Chigome who was said to be in a meeting.