admin
Police have given conflicting statements regarding the use of tyre-shredding spikes.
The police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said in March that police had stopped the use of spikes at roadblocks because they endangered the lives of members of the public.
“As the police, we prioritise public safety hence we have stopped the use of spikes at roadblocks as they endanger the lives of members of the public,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.
Members of the public should have been taken aback at the weekend when Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri was quoted saying spikes were still in use at police roadblocks.
“Spikes are not part of the police uniform and that is why you will not see police officers carrying spikes if they are not at roadblocks or checkpoints. Where can I get money to provide every police officer with spikes?” asked Comm-Gen Chihuri.
The police, according to Comm-Gen Chihuri, are still using spikes but only at roadblocks but this is contrary to what Chief Supt Nyathi said. Members of the public are now confused regarding the police position on the use of spikes. Have these gadgets, blamed for causing some accidents, been banned or not?
Chief Supt Nyathi said the police had completely banned the use of spikes even at their roadblocks but Comm-Gen Chihuri insists that the spikes are still in use but only at roadblocks. It is important for the police to clarify their position regarding the use of spikes. There has been a public outcry regarding the use of spikes which the commuting public is blaming for some of the accidents. It is therefore important for members of the public to know the correct police position on this issue. The contradicting statements from the police do not help the situation.
Last month, 16 passengers were injured in Bulawayo when a driver of a kombi fleeing a police roadblock, swerved to avoid spikes resulting in the commuter omnibus overturning. Police efforts to tame the traffic jungle are highly appreciated but in so doing they should strive to avoid causing accidents. The throwing of spikes or high speed car chases endanger the lives of commuters so such action should be avoided.
There are other ways of enforcing traffic laws without endangering the lives of innocent commuters. We do not condone violation of traffic rules and regulations because most accidents are caused by such violations. Those that violate traffic rules and regulations should be brought to book but in so doing the police should avoid endangering the very lives they want to protect.
The throwing of spikes in Bulawayo is continuing and this should be stopped forthwith to protect public transport passengers. We totally agree with the police that there are some unscrupulous commuter omnibus drivers that want to avoid roadblocks and as already stated, these should be arrested and punished severely. The commuter omnibus drivers should appreciate that the lives of their passengers are in their hands so any violation of traffic rules and regulations puts the passengers’ lives at risk.
The public transport drivers, the commuting public and the police should join hands to tame the traffic jungle which is largely to blame for the increased carnage on our roads.
Online Reporter