Chronicle Editor
Kudzai Gaveni, Online Writer
THE ongoing operation called “Tame the Traffic Jungle” which was launched by Zimbabwe Republic Police in all the country’s provinces with effect from 12 September 2023 has led to over 100 900 arrests and 1 877 vehicles impounded.
The operation is a partnership between police and local authorities, and 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.
The operation comes in the wake of lawlessness on the roads, particularly in major cities and towns where some drivers are flouting road traffic rules. According to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, 100 982 arrests have been made so far. Of these, 2 348 were on vehicles without route permits while 30 571 were on illegal pirate taxis (mushikashika).
Additionally, 471 motorists have been arrested for reckless driving while 7 676 people have been arrested for touting.
Meanwhile, 1 877 vehicles have been impounded for moving on the roads with no registration plates. Assistant Commissioner 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.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter