As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise at an exponential rate the Zimbabwean government has become more draconian when it comes to enforcing measures meant to flatten the curve. Currently the number of cases 2 434 and deaths at 34. The government has now gazetted a series of laws meant to punish those flouting lockdown rules. First, it was steep fines for those not wearing masks and now there is a new law that allows police officers to seize public transport vehicles found violating lockdown rules.

Where any public transport vehicle or other vehicle used for the transport of passengers for gain, is used in connection with any offence under this Order (prohibiting the operation of such transport) an enforcement officer, if such vehicle is used again after the driver or owner thereof has been warned or charged for such offence, shall have the power to seize such vehicle as an exhibit in connection with the prosecution of such owner or driver for such offence in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act [Chapter 9:07].

Despite the high demand for public transport kombis and private operators remain banned. This is despite the fact that ZUPCO is failing to meet transport demands. As touts and drivers in the private sector face economic ruin some have started removing their number plates and illegally plying their old routes.