Tafadzwa Goliati, Passenger Association of Zimbabwe president
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has welcomed the court’s decision to sentence to seven months, a Bolt Cutter bus conductor who assaulted two passengers at Musami Cross in Murewa, saying the ruling sends a strong message that violence has no place in the public transport sector.
The conductor Ranjisi Manyati, was sentenced to imprisonment following the assault, a verdict which PAZ says should serve as a warning to bus crews and touts who resort to violence when handling disputes with passengers.
Tafadzwa Goliati, PAZ president said the association has always advocated for the rule of law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“We welcome the outcome of the court case involving the Bolt Cutter conductor who assaulted two passengers at Musami Cross in Murewa. The conductor was sentenced to seven months in prison. This sets a precedent for all bus crews and touts who may consider using violence,” said Goliati.
He stressed that while the association condemns the actions of the conductor, it has never called for the transport operator to be banned because of the misconduct of one employee.
“The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe has never advocated for the banning of Bolt Cutter from operating on the Harare–Mutoko–Nyamapanda route because of one conductor who misbehaved and assaulted a passenger following a misunderstanding over a promised seat at the next bus stop,” said Goliati.
Goliati said PAZ respects the judicial process and believes all cases should be allowed to proceed through the courts before conclusions are drawn.
“Our organization respects the law and is guided by it. We do not engage in actions that are outside the law. We have witnessed cases worse than this, yet the operator was not banned. As PAZ, we always call for engagement to resolve such issues.”
He said violence should never be used to settle disagreements between passengers and transport operators.
“We do not support violence as a tool for resolving disputes. Instead, we advise all concerned parties to report matters to the police. We have dealt with several disputes between passengers and bus crews, and many were resolved by the directors or management of the transport company or association concerned.”
Goliati also commended transport operators for responding more swiftly to complaints raised by passengers.
“Most transport companies and associations have a code of conduct, and we are pleased that when issues are reported, they are now being attended to urgently — especially by members of the Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation and other kombi associations.”
He urged both passengers and transport operators to continue resolving disputes through lawful channels, saying the latest court outcome reinforces the importance of accountability and respect for the law in Zimbabwe’s public transport sector.
The Bolt Cutter Bus Service conductor Manyati (45), was sentenced to seven months in prison by the Mutoko Magistrates Court.
He was convicted of assault and theft after beating a passenger who demanded a refund for an overcrowded bus.
