16 000 arrests 837 cars impounded in traffic blitz

POLICE have arrested over 16 000 people for violating traffic laws and regulations and impounded 837 vehicles countrywide as the ongoing crackdown code-named ‘Tame the traffic jungle’ aimed at restoring order and sanity on the country’s roads continues.

The operation, which was launched last Tuesday is a partnership between police and local authorities.

Other stakeholders involved in the blitz aimed at ensuring that vehicle owners comply with the requirements of the law include the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the Vehicle Inspectorate Department, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority

In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation comes in the wake of lawlessness on the roads, particularly in major cities and towns where some drivers are now flouting road traffic rules.

“The ZRP reports that a total of 16 369 arrests have been effected during the on-going operation, “Tame the Traffic Jungle. We arrested 419 people for operating without route permits while 6 619 were illegal pirate taxis (mushikashika) operators,” he said.

“A total of 226 motorists have been arrested for reckless driving while 837 vehicles have been impounded for moving on the roads with no registration plates.”

Asst Com Nyathi said they are also concerned with the reckless conduct by pirate vehicles, mushikashika, and some registered kombis who are carrying passengers from undesignated points in violation of the country’s laws.

“Licensed public service vehicles are contributing to the chaos and congestion by loading and unloading passengers at undesignated points and openly endangering the lives of the public through reckless conduct at controlled road intersections and traffic lights,” he said.

Asst Com Nyathi said police will ensure that the law takes its course without fear or favour. He warned that any vehicle found on the road without number plates would be impounded. This also includes newly imported vehicles with temporary plates.

“The police have been assured by the Central Vehicle Registry that they have adequate stocks of number plates, and therefore, there is no excuse for motorists not to register their vehicles within two weeks after importation as stipulated in terms of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act.

Asst Com Nyathi said police will also act on heavy trucks that drive into residential suburbs and the city centre in disregard of outlying designated routes.

He said the operation will account for un-roadworthy vehicles and public service vehicles, which do not have legal documents such as insurance, route authority and fitness certificates.

“Vehicle owners who leave broken down vehicles on the road while blocking traffic with some using tree branches and stones as warning signs instead of proper reflective triangles will not be spared during this operation,” he said.”We will also take action against illegal fittings on motor vehicles for example bar lights used in violation of Road Traffic Regulations.”

Asst Com Nyathi said the police will also impound heavy farming vehicles that are driven in disregard of relevant regulatory statutes. He warned motorists against attempting to bribe the police saying they risk being arrested. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to cooperate with police officers and relevant stakeholders in order to bring sanity to the country’s roads and Central Business Districts. The public is free to report errant drivers on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number 0712 800 197,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.