The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide operation targeting vehicles moving on the country’s roads without registration number plates as well as those fitted with illegal sirens and blue lights.
In a press statement issued today, the police said the operation covers all categories of vehicles, including private cars, company vehicles, Government vehicles and public service vehicles.
ZRP said it had noted with concern that some motorists are deliberately removing registration plates to evade identification after committing offences such as armed robbery, kidnapping, hit-and-run accidents and other traffic violations.
Police said the violations include driving against the flow of traffic, jumping red traffic lights and breaching lane regulations.
Authorities also raised concern over public service vehicles that remove number plates to avoid being traced after committing traffic offences, sometimes resulting in road accidents.
The police further warned against the illegal installation of sirens, blue lights, bar lights and beacons on unauthorised vehicles, saying these gadgets are strictly reserved for emergency service vehicles.
According to ZRP, the use of such devices causes chaos on the roads and, in some instances, bar lights affect the vision of other motorists at night, thereby putting road users at risk.
“All plateless vehicles will be impounded forthwith and will only be released once proper registration processes have been conducted and registration plates affixed,” the police said.
ZRP added that illegal sirens, blue lights, bar lights and other related gadgets will be removed on the spot, warning that no excuses will be entertained during the operation.
Meanwhile, the police urged the public to disregard a document circulating on social media regarding the operation, saying it was leaked by an individual who attended a commanders’ meeting.
The police said all official updates on the operation will be issued through the ZRP’s official communication channels.
Motorists have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement officers during the operation to ensure effective maintenance of law and order on the country’s roads.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
