Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
IN a decisive move to curb traffic violations in Harare’s Central Business District, police have established specialised enforcement teams, which well be helped by drones, to execute their duties.
Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, revealed this following the recent launch of the police Client Service Charter by Commissioner General of Police, Stephen Mutamba.
Comm Chikunguru acknowledged public complaints over dangerous speed chases between police and kombi and mushikashika drivers.
“Given the persistent traffic violations in the CBD, we have established specialised enforcement teams in addition to existing units,” Comm Chikunguru said.
“These teams patrol the area, focusing on offenders engaged in dangerous parking that blocks roads and contributes to congestion.”
Those parking in undesignated areas, or unlawfully picking up and dropping passengers, will face immediate arrest.
The police have also upgraded their communication systems and introduced drone technology to monitor traffic violations effectively.
“Our Traffic Command Centres will oversee this initiative, collaborating with the Central Vehicle Registration (CVR) to identify the rightful owners of vehicles,” he said.
“This time, we will not negotiate with kombi driver associations but will directly engage the vehicle owners, ensuring accountability.”
Comm Chikunguru cautioned against the abuse of Government vehicles, particularly those driving against one-way traffic during peak hours.
He announced that a significant number of vehicles, both governmental and private, have already been impounded for these offences.
“Let all drivers be warned, the police will not hesitate to arrest anyone violating road regulations.
“No impounded vehicle will be returned without the rightful owner’s intervention, so we urge motorists to ensure proper change of ownership procedures.”
Since the launch of the Client Service Charter, police have impounded 1,250 vehicles without registration plates and a total of 1,500 cars for various traffic violations in Harare.
“To maintain order, we are engaging directly with vehicle owners under the Road Traffic Act,” said Comm Chikunguru. “Every vehicle under any Government department must have a registration plate.
Our investigations have revealed that many cars are being driven by individuals without proper ownership transfer, sometimes up to the fifteenth owner.” Since the operation began, police have impounded 500 commuter omnibuses.
Mathew Masinge