By Rex Mphisa
THE Zimbabwe Repunlic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide blitz on cars without number plates and those with illegal fittings.
Illegal fittings refer to blue lights, illegal sirens – among other things.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that a countrywide operation is currently underway targeting vehicles moving on the roads without registration number plates and those illegally fitted with sirens, blue lights, bar lights, beacons and other unauthorized gadgets,” a ZRP statement by national spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
“The operation covers all categories of vehicles, including family cars, company vehicles, Government vehicles and public service vehicles.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police said it has noted with concern that some motorists are deliberately removing number plates to evade identification after committing offences such as armed robberies, kidnapping, hit-and-run road traffic accidents, as well as traffic violations including driving against the flow of traffic, through red traffic lights and lane violations.
“It is also 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,” said Nyathi.
Some vehicles, he said, are fitted with illegal sirens, blue lights and bar lights reserved for authorized emergency vehicles.
Nyathi said 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.”
Nyathi, who is the Chief Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations), said all plateless vehicles will be impounded forthwith and will only be released once proper registration process isconducted and registration plates affixed on the vehicle concerned.
“All illegal sirens, blue lights, bar lights, beacons and related gadgets will be removed on the spot with no excuses being entertained by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.”
Nyathi asked the public to disregard a document circulating on social media regarding this operation, he said 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 Zimbabwe Republic Police. We urge all motorists to cooperate with the Zimbabwe Republic Police during this operation for the effective maintenance law and order in the country,” he said.
The police action comes in the wake of a number of incidences were criminals are setting up illegal roadblocks and robbing motorists.
This has however also involved serving cops and members of the Zimbabwe National Army.