We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased female conductor who was shot dead at Dzivarasekwa 4 Harare whilst on duty.
First and foremost, is it safe for a conductor to be moving around in trips with cash without proper security? Considering that this is a second incident in less than six months, we are deeply disturbed and concerned as wonen leaders. The first incident happened in Bulawayo were another female conductor got gang raped and robbed whilst coming from work. The government being responsible for the service is supposed to offer proper care and security to all its employees even to the citizens of Zimbabwe who board the ZUPCO buses. This is further postulated on Section 52 and Section 65 of the constitution of Zimbabwe.
In order to deal with these issues the government must deploy members of the ZRP to be attached to the ZUPCO for the safety of its employees and passengers. ZUPCO is supposed to transport its employees to their places of residence and make sure that they arrive to their respective homes safely. If necessary these members of ZRP they would have attached to ZUPCO are supposed to be armed for the safety of everyone. Where did our sense of unity and peaceful coexistence go as Zimbabweans? This saddening situation calls for a quick reaction to the safety of all ZUPCO employees be and should also take to account the vulnerability of women.
Everjoy Chidindi
LEAD Spokesperson