By Nigel Pfunde
HARARE- THE State Carriage Unified Transport Association (SCUTA) say it will not be swayed from its mandate by cyberbullies, whom it intends to expose after lodging a formal police report against members circulating malicious falsehoods about operators
SCUTA confirmed Thursday it had reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Republic Police under RRB 6791593, vowing to pursue all lawful means to identify and bring to book those behind defamatory claims that certain operators have deployed touts previously implicated in violent activities at bus ranks.
“The information being spread is false and intended to sow divisions, undermine efforts to restore sanity in the transport sector and tarnish the image of operators,” SCUTA said in a firm statement.
“We commend the ZRP for its work in bringing order and call on the police to investigate and arrest those responsible for spreading this falsehood.”
SCUTA said it noted with concern malicious social media posts falsely linking its members and certain transport operators to the employment of _mahwindi_ previously involved in violent activities.
“No employment of touts. Our members, including Trip Trans and Gold Class, do not employ the individuals named in the circulating statements,” the association clarified. “It is SCUTA policy that members do not engage persons with a known history of violent conduct and extortion at ranks.”
The statement added that Trip Trans Chief Executive Mr Shadreck Tiripano and Gold Class founder Dr Isau Mupfumi, both ZANU-PF Central Committee members, operate strictly within the law and in full compliance with directives from relevant authorities.
All SCUTA members abide by rules governing public transport and rank operations, the association said. Dr Mupfumi and Trip Trans were at the forefront of a collective agreement among operators that _mahwindi_ involved in past acts of violence will not be employed at ranks.
“SCUTA and its members reject violence in all forms and remain committed to maintaining order, discipline and professionalism at all ranks,” it said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to conduct patrols at ranks to restore order and ensure touts are arrested. SCUTA said the notion that touts are being reintroduced is misleading, given the ongoing police presence and enforcement.
*In a show of resolve, SCUTA declared it will not be deterred by cyber bullying but will continue to deliver its mandate, led by law-abiding citizens with the interests of passengers at heart.* The association reiterated its unwavering commitment to working with the ZRP and other relevant authorities to ensure safe, orderly, and professional public transport across the country.
“We will not be intimidated into silence. Those behind these attacks will be exposed,” SCUTA said.
