A TOUT was killed by his colleagues at a bus station in Chiredzi last week during a dispute over passengers boarding buses.
This incident prompted an emergency meeting between the police and the Chiredzi Town Council to prevent such occurrences in the future. The meeting resolved to allocate separate bus stations for Inter-Africa and Stallion Cruise buses to curb disputes.
One of the bus companies is now using the old bus station, while the other is operating from a newly designated station.
Passengers had long been harassed while boarding buses in Chiredzi, as touts would force them onto buses they did not want to board.
Last week, one tout died in hospital following a fight between touts working for the two bus companies.
Chiredzi Town Council’s public relations officer, Ms. Kudzai Chimusoro, said the decision to separate the bus stations was taken following recommendations from the Chiredzi Transport Association to avoid further loss of life and damage to property.
“We convened a meeting following frequent clashes between the two bus companies. Passengers have been filing complaints with us since last year.
“We decided to separate the bus stations to ensure the safety of passengers who were constantly harassed,” she said.
“There were several complaints lodged against both Inter-Africa and Stallion Cruise, and this decision was taken to stabilize the situation. The resolution was made and approved by the council,” she added.
The council resolved that Stallion Cruise buses would use the old bus station, while Inter-Africa buses would operate from the new station.
Chiredzi Transport Association chairperson, Mr. Fanuel Mapope, expressed optimism that this decision would bring order to the Chiredzi bus stations.
“Due to these challenges, we identified Stallion Cruise and Inter-Africa as the main sources of conflict, and it became clear that the two companies could not share one bus station.
“After consultations with all stakeholders, including the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), the council, and the police, we agreed that the two companies should use separate bus stations following the death of a tout last week,” he said.
