Harare undercover blitz targets InDrive

Harare launched an undercover blitz targeting InDrive drivers, tightening control over the fast-growing e-hailing sector as part of the city's 2025-45 Master Plan to regulate informal transport, as reported by NewsDay. The operation involves plainclothes officers posing as passengers to catch drivers operating without proper licences or permits, leading to vehicle impoundments and fines. This crackdown risks alienating gig economy workers and stifling innovation in urban mobility, as many drivers rely on InDrive for income amid high unemployment. The city council argues that regulation is necessary for safety and tax compliance, but drivers claim the blitz is punitive and lacks clear guidelines. The move highlights the tension between modern transport solutions and outdated regulatory frameworks in Zimbabwe's urban centres.