Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
NATIONAL Police Spokesperson Paul Nyathi has sounded the alarm over the rising crime wave and the chaos unfolding on Zimbabwe’s roads, urging the media to join the fight before more lives are lost.
Addressing Bulawayo journalists during a media ENGAGEMENT at Ross camp in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Nyathi pulled no punches. He warned that too many vehicles on the road are unroadworthy, illegal and dangerous to commuters.
“Why would you want to drive a defective vehicle at night with no lights? We cannot have vehicles with windows covered in plastic,” he said. Comm Nyathi said motorists with one headlamp are putting children and adults at risk every night.
Comm Nyathi said hit and run cases are increasing in Bulawayo, partly caused by motorists installing illegal bright headlights. “The headlights are too bright and can blind other drivers, causing serious accidents,” he said.
He urged motorists to install proper lights, reminding them that many carry schoolchildren and breadwinners whose lives must be protected.
Comm Nyathi condemned the mushrooming of private cars operating as public transport. He said yellow plate vehicles carrying passengers unlawfully are a danger because most are not insured. “When people die in these vehicles, the government ends up paying hospital bills. Owners disappear,” said Comm Nyathi.
He warned kombis and mushikashika operators who cover number plates to evade police. “These vehicles are often involved in hit and run accidents. They cover their plates so they cannot be tracked. It is illegal,” he said.
Turning to crime, Comm Nyathi said the police rely heavily on communities to expose human trafficking, drug trafficking and house break ins. He urged citizens to report suspicious behaviour, especially people living lavishly with no known source of income. “We cannot remain silent,” he said.
The National police spokesperson revealed that criminals are targeting unattended houses, even cooking food before looting. “By morning, we are receiving reports. Citizens must be responsible too,” he said.
Comm Nyathi encouraged journalists to contact him anytime, saying communication lines via Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp are open. “This is now an operation. We will not wait,” he said.
He updated the media on the crackdown on criminals using cross border routes, saying extradition processes with South Africa are underway. He warned companies against staff who leak information to syndicates.
Nyathi cited a case where a disabled man was duped of US$10 000, saying such crimes show the urgent need for closer cooperation between police, the media and the community.
