ZUPCO Drivers Seize Buses in Zimbabwe: Unpaid Workers Refuse to Surrender Vehicles

• Hundreds of unpaid ZUPCO drivers have taken control of the company's buses, citing fears that they may never be returned or could be stripped of valuable parts.
• The seized buses are a fraction of the 500 vehicles procured by ZUPCO between 2019 and 2022, with only 150 still functional and almost all not roadworthy.
• Only 10 out of the 500 buses procured by ZUPCO are registered and have number plates, violating Zimbabwean laws governing public transportation.
• The crisis facing ZUPCO is a symptom of a broader public transportation crisis in Zimbabwe, with many companies struggling to stay afloat due to financial difficulties.

The seized buses are a fraction of the 500 vehicles procured by ZUPCO between 2019 and 2022.

In a move that has left authorities and passengers concerned, hundreds of unpaid ZUPCO drivers have taken control of the company's buses. The drivers, who claim they are owed significant amounts in back pay, have refused to surrender the vehicles to the depots for repairs. According to sources, the drivers are fearful that once the buses are handed over, they may never be returned or could be stripped of valuable parts while parked at the depots.

The situation is a symptom of a larger crisis facing ZUPCO, which has seen its workforce drastically shrink from 7,000 employees in recent years to just 1,500. The company's financial woes have led to unpaid salaries for thousands of workers, with many taking the company to court and winning default judgments that have resulted in the attachment of company assets, including buses.

The seized buses are a fraction of the 500 vehicles procured by ZUPCO between 2019 and 2022. However, only 150 of these buses are still functional, and almost all of them are reportedly not roadworthy, posing a significant risk to passenger safety.

The seizure of buses by unpaid drivers has raised concerns about the company's compliance with Zimbabwean laws governing public transportation. According to reports, only 10 out of the 500 buses procured by ZUPCO are registered and have number plates, a clear violation of the country's regulations. This lack of registration has put passengers at risk, as unregistered vehicles can be easily identified and targeted for seizure or impoundment.

The situation highlights the need for companies operating in Zimbabwe to prioritize compliance with local laws and regulations. Failure to do so can result in asset seizures, fines, and reputational damage. Lawyers advising clients on transportation services in Zimbabwe should be aware of these risks and take steps to ensure their clients' vehicles are properly registered and maintained.

The company's public relations department has been unreachable for comment, with efforts to get a response from management also unsuccessful.

The crisis facing ZUPCO is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a broader public transportation crisis in Zimbabwe. The country's bus industry has been plagued by financial difficulties, with many companies struggling to stay afloat due to high operating costs and low revenue.

The situation has left passengers vulnerable to exploitation, with some forced to rely on unregistered and uninsured vehicles for transportation. The government has been criticized for its handling of the crisis, with many calling for more support for public transportation operators to help them recover from financial difficulties.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how ZUPCO will address the concerns raised by unpaid drivers and passengers alike.

Lawyers advising clients on transportation services in Zimbabwe should be aware of the risk of asset seizure by unpaid workers and ensure that their clients' vehicles are properly registered and maintained to avoid compliance exposure.

Source: Original reporting via Masvingo Mirror