Online Reporter
Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter
POLICE in Mutare District are tightening the screws on errant motorists, with an ongoing clampdown in the city rounding up and impounding hundreds of vehicles for flouting road traffic rules and regulations.
The blitzkrieg comes hot on the heels of intensified efforts to restore sanity by law enforcement agents to quell the reign of terror that was being unleashed by marauding touts at bus termini, ranks and on the streets.
Normalcy has since returned to these public places as city ranks have been reconfigured and public transporters are now operating under registered associations without touts meddling.
However, while the police were containing the situation against touts, another hazard threatening public safety was festering – lawlessness on public roads.
Errant behaviour that endangers the lives of other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians was reigning supreme as rules and regulations that govern the safe usage of roads were being violated unabated.
Driving against the flow of traffic, going through red traffic lights, overloading, speeding, dangerous overtaking, operating without route permits and pirate taxis (commonly known as mushika-shika), among other offences, had become a daily dosage.
The errant behaviour often resulted in unnecessary traffic congestion and in other cases caused accidents.
In other deplorable instances, things sometimes got out of hand and resulted in road rage.
The stretch from Paulington up to the Flyover symbolised the chaos that had turned some of Mutare’s roads into a jungle of traffic lawlessness, making driving an unpleasant experience.
To stamp their authority, police this week turned the heat on the offenders by enforcing the law.
A citywide blitzkrieg targeting errant motorists resulted in hundreds being arrested and their vehicles impounded.
Pirates taxis and unregistered kombis – who have gained the notoriety of picking and dropping passengers at undesignated points, dangerous driving and allowing crew members to precariously dangle on moving vehicles – are paying the heavy price for their suicidal actions on the road.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said they are on top of the situation.
“There is no going back in maintaining law and order across Mutare as we are tightening the screws on motorists that go against the road rules and regulations. Following our success in tackling the touting menace, we have not relented in restoring sanity on the roads. We are out in full force to bring errant motorists to book. There are no sacred cows and no one will be spared during the arrests.
“Our efforts are aimed at promoting safe usage for all road users, from motorists to cyclists and pedestrians. Recklessness on the road is never condoned and we always call for responsible driving to prevent avoidable accidents. As we tame the road traffic jungle, we are leaving no stone unturned and hundreds of arrests have been made so far for various offences,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The impounded vehicles are being taken to Mutare Main Police Camp.
The clampdown, he added, is an ongoing exercise and law enforcement agents are maintaining their presence on the streets through patrols.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka warned motorists against playing cat-and-mouse with the police, reiterating that the long arm of the law will always catch up with those going offside.
The clean sweep by law enforcement agents against touts and errant motorists has brought relief to residents.
“Police deserve a pat on the back for the outstanding work they have done over the recent past weeks. They have proved their pedigree by accounting for touts and now careless drivers. We applaud all their initiatives and efforts that seek to promote public safety and security,” said Mrs Rebecca Chitate, a Chikanga resident.
She said touts and errant motorists had become twin evils in the city.
“I hold a provisional driver’s licence and taking my lessons on the road under a registered driving school had become a nightmare as the behaviour of some drivers was just unruly. Their irresponsible actions like speeding and dangerous driving often cause learner drivers to panic and sometimes it results in accidents. We have also endured insults at their hands,” she said.
