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There are several cars in Harare that do not have registration numbers while most are suspected to have been used in criminal activities, making it difficult for police to trace them.
Police said once such vehicles are stolen, it would be difficult to track them.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector James Sabau yesterday said the vehicles were impounded under Operation Name Tag Phase Three.
“This operation was necessitated by an increase in the number of vehicles that were being driven without number plates.
“This has resulted in members of the public losing valuables to robbers using vehicles without number plates after being offered lifts.
“Armed robbers have been using some of these vehicles as get away cars after robbing members of the public. Cases of hit-and-run accidents involving vehicles without number plates have been on the increase. Following up on these cars has become difficult because vehicles involved would not be registered,” he said.
Insp Sabau said unregistered vehicles have increased annually especially towards the festive season and some are used in robberies.
He advised motorists to get temporary registration cards as soon as their vehicles enter the country as stipulated by Section 18 of Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act Chapter 13:14.
“The Act stipulates that no vehicle shall be driven on any road in Zimbabwe unless it is registered and licensed. The Act states that if any vehicle is going to be used for a single or return journey within a period of 14
days, it should have a temporary identification applied at the port of entry,” he said.
Insp Sabau said people abuse the 14 days grace period by misinterpreting it.
“Police will not allow the abuse of this 14 days grace period which the public normally misinterpret.
“This is just a period that one sorts out his or her papers but does not allow him or her to drive without number plates,” he said.
Online Reporter