Private motorists are taking advantage of the temporary ban on public transport during the Covid-19 lockdown period to demand exorbitant fares from Zimbabweans travelling between the country's towns and cities.

As part of measures to control the spread of the pandemic, President Emmerson Mnangagwa in March this year banned public intercity travelling but allowed cargo carrying trucks to operate within and outside the country.

The private motorists are however taking advantage of the situation through charging ridiculous fares.

She appealed to authorities to consider introducing government transporter, ZUPCO intercity to operate under strict Covid-19 prevention conditions.

"The government must allow intercity public transport to operate amid tight COVID-19 prevention measures."