adminThis comes in the wake of an increase in the number of cases where officers manning roadblocks are kidnapped and assaulted.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Andrew Phiri said they would engage the courts to ensure that deterrent sentences are imposed on those found guilty of the offences.
“The ZRP would want to strongly warn all motorists and the general public that all those who undermine the authority of the police will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
“Such cases occur in most cases after the arrest of a driver at a roadblock site when he/she is ordered to drive to the police station. Contrary to police instructions, the driver of the commuter omnibus kidnaps the officer, at times they even assault the officers. As police we will do everything in our power to ensure that all such social misfits are brought to book.”
Supt Phiri said in the process of kidnapping police officers, the lives of the passengers aboard these kombis, would also be endangered.
He said it is an offence under the Traffic Act to disobey a police officer’s instructions adding that kidnapping is a serious offence under the law.
“It is an offence to deprive an adult or child of his freedom of bodily movement or lawful custodian of his or her control.
“Section 43 of the Road Traffic Act penalises a driver who fails to obey all directions or instructions whether verbal or by signal given by a police officer in uniform,” read part of the statement.
Supt Phiri urged people aged between 16 and 60 years to assist the police when making an arrest.
He said it was also an offence to refuse to assist when called upon to do so. On April 29, Constable Kamungere of Masvingo central was kidnapped by Maramba Lazarus who was driving a Toyota Noah.
On April 12, Constable Kapofu of Harare Central was also kidnapped by Tonderai Mutungwazi, a commuter omnibus driver.
Online Reporter
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