Source: 3 400 and counting: ZRP blitz nets thousands of plate-less cars – herald
Raymond Jaravaza and Sikhumbuzo Moyo
MORE than 3 400 vehicles without registration number plates, including some illegally fitted with sirens, blue lights, bar lights and beacons, have been impounded by police following a countrywide operation launched last week.
The police blitz, which began last Monday, targets all categories of vehicles — private cars, company fleets, Government vehicles and public service vehicles — operating without number plates or carrying unauthorised emergency fittings.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in an interview yesterday that the operation has so far resulted in 3 478 vehicles being impounded across the country.
“The ZRP operation targeting vehicles without registration number plates and those illegally fitted with sirens, blue lights, bar lights, beacons and other unauthorised gadgets has netted 3 478 vehicles,” he said.
“These vehicles are all classes of vehicles, from the cheapest to the most expensive cars. The ZRP operation is targeting all vehicles classified to be breaking the law.”
Comm Nyathi said police had noted with concern that some motorists were deliberately removing registration plates to avoid identification after committing criminal offences.
He said such vehicles were often linked to crimes such as armed robberies, kidnappings, hit-and-run accidents and traffic violations, including driving against traffic, driving through red lights and lane indiscipline.
According to police, some public service vehicles are also removing plates to evade follow-up on traffic offences, with some later becoming involved in road accidents.
“Some vehicles are being fitted with illegal sirens, blue lights and bar lights which are reserved for authorised emergency vehicles. This causes chaos on the roads and above all, the use of bar lights has also been noted to disturb the vision of other motorists at night, thereby endangering road users,” said Comm Nyathi.
He said all vehicles found without registration plates will be impounded immediately and only released after proper registration and fitting of lawful plates.
Com Nyathi said illegal sirens, blue lights, beacons and related gadgets will be removed on the spot. He urged motorists to co-operate with the police during the exercise and to rely on official police channels for updates on the operation.
In Bulawayo, some commuter omnibuses and pirate taxis, commonly known as mshikashika, have reportedly devised methods to evade police by partially covering registration plates.
At the illegal taxi rank along 6th Avenue, some kombi operators were seen masking sections of their number plates with cardboard material to make identification difficult.
Meanwhile, police in Bulawayo last Wednesday relaunched the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Service Charter, reaffirming commitment to professionalism, accountability and improved public service delivery.
Speaking during the provincial launch, Officer Commanding Bulawayo Commissioner Jasper Chizemo said the charter outlines clear service standards expected when the public engages police.
The provincial launch follows the national unveiling of the charter recently by Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba.
Comm Chizemo said the charter commits police to attending to members of the public within one minute of arrival at police stations, answering telephone calls within three rings and responding to written correspondence within seven days.
“The service charter relaunch embodies our commitment to meeting the service delivery expectations of our clients. Today, we reiterate that pledge and promise to serve the people of Bulawayo diligently. It sets minimum service standards that the public is entitled to expect from the police,” he said.
Comm Chizemo said the charter focuses on four key areas: response to calls, crime management, traffic policing, and community assistance and public reassurance.
“No report is too small to be recorded and no complaint will be turned away. Where evidence is established, cases will be presented before the courts without delay so that justice is served,” he said.
Comm Chizemo said traffic enforcement will increasingly rely on modern technologies such as CCTV, road cameras and drones to improve road safety.
On community assistance and public reassurance, Comm Chizemo said police will maintain peace, safety and stability through professional policing of public gatherings while balancing public order with the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens.
He said police officers would remain visible and approachable through regular patrols and community engagement initiatives.
“Our goal is a city where people feel safe in their homes, workplaces and public spaces,” said Comm Chizemo.
Among those who attended the relaunch were Government and Bulawayo City Council officials, business community, members of the neighbourhood watch committee and the transport sector.
The post 3 400 and counting: ZRP blitz nets thousands of plate-less cars appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.