Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a nationwide operation targeting vehicles moving on the country’s roads without registration number plates and those illegally fitted with sirens, blue lights, bar lights, beacons and other unauthorised gadgets.
In a statement, police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation covers all categories of vehicles, including private family cars, company vehicles, Government vehicles and public service vehicles.
He said police had noted with concern that some motorists were deliberately removing registration plates to evade identification after committing criminal offences.
“Such vehicles were often used in crimes such as armed robberies, kidnappings and hit-and-run accidents, as well as traffic violations including driving against the flow of traffic, jumping red traffic lights and lane violations,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said some public service vehicles were removing registration plates to evade follow-ups on traffic offences, with some of the vehicles later being involved in road accidents.
Commissioner Nyathi said it was disturbing to note that some public service vehicles are removing registration plates to evade follow-ups on traffic offences and cause road accidents in some situations.
“Some vehicles are being fitted with illegal sirens, blue lights and bar lights which are reserved for authorized emergency vehicles. This causes chaos on the roads. Above all, the use of bar lights has also been noted to disturb the vision of other motorists at night, thereby endangering road users,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said all vehicles without number plates will be impounded forthwith and will only be released once proper registration process is conducted and registration plates affixed on the vehicle concerned, adding that all illegal sirens, blue lights, bar lights, beacons and related gadgets will be removed on the spot with no excuses being entertained by the police.
“The public is urged to disregard a document circulating on social media regarding this operation, which was leaked by an individual who attended a commanders’ meeting. In this regard, the public should take note that all updates on the operation will be issued through official channels of the police.
We urge all motorists to cooperate with the Zimbabwe Republic Police during this operation for the effective maintenance of law and order in the country,” said the police spokesperson
