Tungwarara’s Tap and Go Taxis Accused of Floutin...

Tungwarara’s Tap and Go Taxis Accused of Flouting Transport Regulations

Zim Now Reporters

A newly launched ride-hailing service, Tap and Go Taxis, is facing allegations of regulatory non-compliance, with senior officials in the Ministry of Transport claiming the company bypassed standard licensing procedures and is operating without the required authorisations, this publication can exclusively reveal.

According to sources within the ministry who spoke on condition of anonymity, Tap and Go allegedly began operations without securing a public service vehicle operator’s licence—a key requirement for any taxi service under Zimbabwean transport laws.

The officials further allege that the company’s vehicles are operating with yellow number plates instead of the white plates legally mandated for public transport vehicles.

Under Zimbabwean law, taxis are required to operate within a designated 40-kilometre radius and must display specific number plates to signify compliance with public transport regulations. Officials claim Tap and Go has not adhered to these provisions and accuse the company of leveraging its proximity to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to fast-track or bypass regulatory hurdles.

The taxis are owned by Mnangagwa’s adviser and tenderpreneur Paul Tungwarara, who has made millions through government contracts.

“The procedures were not followed. The vehicles were launched and allowed to operate without meeting the basic regulatory requirements,” said one senior official, adding that this has raised fairness and safety concerns among other licensed operators.

While the specific nature of the alleged presidential proximity was not detailed, ministry insiders claim that such influence undermines the role of transport regulators and sets a concerning precedent for public service vehicle oversight.

As of now, the Tap and Go fleet has reportedly not been issued the mandatory 40-kilometre operational radius permits, nor is it registered with the relevant licensing authority for public taxi operators.

Attempts to get official comment from Tap and Go management, including Tungwarara himself, were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Dzingai Devon Mafusire, a representative of the Department of Road Motor Transport under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, referred this publication to their spokesperson.

The spokesperson acknowledged the inquiries and promised to respond but has since remained silent on the matter.

The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe has warned that passengers using Tap and Go Taxis may face heightened safety and service quality risks if the company is indeed operating without proper licences.

“These online taxis require documents such as a certificate of fitness, a route permit, and passenger liability cover,” PAZ president Tafadzwa Goliati told Zim Now.

“In the event of an accident, innocent passengers are not covered. The law must be enforced without fear or favour—no one is above the law—and passengers must be protected by law.”

Goliati added that without compliance, Tap and Go risk being targeted in ongoing police operations against illegal transport operators.

The controversy comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s urban transport system is under pressure to modernise and improve safety standards.

Last week, the Zimbabwe Republic Police intensified its crackdown on pirate taxis, touts, and reckless drivers in Harare, resulting in over 1,000 arrests since the operation began on 22 July 2025.

According to the ZRP’s latest statement, 1,050 people have been arrested, with 479 vehicles impounded—including 10 confirmed stolen cars now under investigation by the Vehicle Theft Squad.

Police also arrested 308 touts, some of whom have been remanded to 31 July, while others paid fines or await further prosecution.

In addition, 551 motorists evaded police checkpoints and now face prosecution, with the ZRP promising to publish their number plates to aid in tracking them down.

Authorities say these measures are part of broader efforts to restore order on Harare’s roads amid growing public and government concern over lawlessness and unregulated transport in the capital.