Police extend traffic operation

POLICE have extended, indefinitely, the ongoing operation code-named “Tame the Traffic Jungle”, which seeks to restore order and bring sanity on the country’s roads.

To date, a total of 46 486 people have been arrested in the ongoing nationwide crackdown targeting traffic law offenders, while 2 433 vehicles were impounded for operating without route permits and moving without number plates.

A total of 345 motorists were arrested for reckless driving while 3 223 were nabbed for touting.

The operation, which was launched early this month, is a partnership between police, local authorities, Zimra, and the Vehicle Inspectorate Department.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the extension of the operation will help restore sanity in the country’s traffic system.

“We have extended the operation indefinitely and we are prioritising the safety of citizens on our roads. There is too much lawlessness on the roads and this has resulted in the rise of traffic-related accidents and deaths,” he said.

“Some road users do not abide by traffic laws, and in some instances you find a motorist driving against traffic; putting the lives of pedestrians and other motorists at risk.”

Asst Comm Nyathi said there are also a number of unlicensed drivers and police.

“There is a lot of congestion and confusion on the roads. In most cases, you will not be surprised to find a driver of a Honda Fit involved in an accident failing to produce a licence,” he said.

“I have been receiving calls from many people celebrating that the operation has come to an end. I hate to burst their bubble, but it is ongoing and we will ensure that we tame the jungle.”

Asst Comm Nyathi said some of the vehicles with no registration plates are used to commit crimes.

“It is our mandate as law enforcers to impound them. We have been assured by the Central Vehicle Registry that they have adequate stock of number plates. There is absolutely no need for people to be driving around in vehicles that have no registration plates,” he said.

“Therefore, there is no excuse for motorists not to register vehicles within two weeks after importation, as stipulated under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act Chapter 13:13.”

Asst Comm Nyathi said police have been mandated to set up roadblocks on road networks and arrest illegal ranks that are sprouting across the country.

“The recklessness is just worrisome, licenced 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.

“We are concerned with motorists who are so reckless to the extent of disregarding traffic regulations. You will find some motorists daringly ignoring traffic signs and regulations.”

Asst Comm Nyathi said the major culprits of recklessness are kombi and pirate taxi drivers.

“In some instances, kombis, in particular, do not want to follow prescribed routes and detours causing traffic jams, while also inconveniencing passengers who will be en route to various destinations and appointments,” he said.

“What is shocking is that some passengers just keep quiet and let this lawless behaviour continue. Passengers should report such incidents to the police who will swiftly take action on these hooligans.” Asst Comm Nyathi noted that there is a growing trend of hit-and-run accidents happening across the country.

“To that effect, police will rain down on these offenders and they must be warned that we will not be lenient. A lot of lives have been lost due to this recklessness and disregard for lives,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said police will also take action against heavy vehicles 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,” said the national police spokesperson.

“As police, we will also take action against illegal fittings on motor vehicles for example bar lights used in violation of Statutory Instrument 129 of 2015 Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use) Regulations.”

Asst Comm Nyathi said the police will also impound heavy farming vehicles that are driven in disregard of relevant regulatory statutes. He warned motorists against trying to bribe the police officer, 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,” he said.