Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THE days of motorists tampering with plates are over while car theft cases are expected to go down following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Interpol National Central Bureau and the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR).
ZRP Criminal Investigations Department chief director, Commissioner Crispen Charumbira, said combined efforts and the embracing of contemporary technology in the form of the Interpol databases will go a long way in fighting crime in the country.
“Our country can only grow when we achieve a crime-free environment that will boost investor confidence for socio-economic development of the generality of our citizens,” said Comm Charumbira.
“At this point, I wish to honestly admit that the success of this project is a culmination of the strong bonds of co-operation and continuous engagement that exist between the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Central Vehicle Registry.
“Let me hasten to say that motor vehicle theft and organised crime in general is on the increase not only in Zimbabwe but across the region.
“Of late we have seen the illegal importation of stolen motor vehicles through undesignated borders which are then used to commit various crimes in the country.
“It is through our combined efforts that we can curb this scourge.”
He added:
“It is without any shadow of doubt that fighting crime requires an all-stakeholder participation considering that as law enforcement agents we have varying responsibilities that answer our constitutional mandate in law enforcement.
“Extension of the Interpol criminal databases to the Central Vehicle Registry will grant access to criminal information of Wanted Persons and Stolen Motor Vehicle databases through Interpol Global Communication System gateway, among others.
“This will enhance our collaborative efforts in the fight against transnational organised crime in our country and the region in general.
“To this end, working together for this noble cause will add impetus to our collective resolve to safeguard our country in order to achieve the vision of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde ED Mnangagwa of achieving a middle-class economy by the year 2030.”
CVR director, Saston Muzenda, said their primary expectation is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of vehicle registration processes.
“By integrating our systems with Interpol, we anticipate a more streamlined approach to checking the legitimacy of vehicles, thereby reducing the incidence of vehicle-related crimes.
“This partnership will empower us to access crucial international databases, enabling us to track stolen vehicles and apprehend criminals who operate across borders.
“Moreover, we expect this integration to foster greater collaboration between law enforcement agencies both within Zimbabwe and globally.
“By sharing information and resources, we can create a more robust framework for tackling vehicle theft and related offenses,” said Muzenda.
Mathew Masinge