News / Local
Police ban wedding party convoys
27 Dec 2010 at 14:33hrs | Views
Police in Bulawayo have announced a ban on wedding and party convoys this festive season, Byo24News can reveal.
Most people normally drive in convoys during the festive season, blowing horns and some even rev up vehicles and criss-cross the road as they celebrate.
Police spokesperson Mandlenkosi Moyo told reporters in an interview that the convoys were unlawful.
"Whosoever wants to have a convoy should first seek police clearance through the officer commanding that particular district. It is unlawful for people to just drive in a convoy, blocking the road for other motorists. We want to warn people against engaging in such conduct as they will be arrested," said Moyo.
Also to be banned, said Moyo, was revving up and blowing horns incessantly in the city centre.
"Those who engage in making excessive noise will be charged with being a public nuisance. People who blow their horns cause unnecessary alarm. Some people may even panic. Those horns are meant for warning other road users of impending danger and not to make noise for members of the public causing annoyance," he said.
Police will also crack down on people who use firecrackers, he said.
"Some of the firecrackers sound like huge explosions and also cause panic. They even cause fires at times and may injure others. People are urged to desist from using those crackers," he said.
On general crime in the city, Moyo said police would be out in full force patrolling secluded spots.
"We have recorded a number of robberies recently especially where people move alone in secluded spots. We would like to urge members of the public to avoid using secluded foot paths at night," he said.
Responding to the announcement, Bulawayo Progressive Residents' Association coordinator Rodrick Fayayo said police must concentrate on more serious issues and "not blowing horns".
"Surely merely blowing a horn is a minor offence. The police must concentrate on hunting for criminals who commit armed robberies in the city and not clamping down on people who are just enjoying themselves," said Fayayo.
"They should also guard against corruption among their ranks especially those who man roadblocks. We have seen them taking bribes from commuter omnibus drivers."
Most people normally drive in convoys during the festive season, blowing horns and some even rev up vehicles and criss-cross the road as they celebrate.
Police spokesperson Mandlenkosi Moyo told reporters in an interview that the convoys were unlawful.
"Whosoever wants to have a convoy should first seek police clearance through the officer commanding that particular district. It is unlawful for people to just drive in a convoy, blocking the road for other motorists. We want to warn people against engaging in such conduct as they will be arrested," said Moyo.
Also to be banned, said Moyo, was revving up and blowing horns incessantly in the city centre.
"Those who engage in making excessive noise will be charged with being a public nuisance. People who blow their horns cause unnecessary alarm. Some people may even panic. Those horns are meant for warning other road users of impending danger and not to make noise for members of the public causing annoyance," he said.
Police will also crack down on people who use firecrackers, he said.
"Some of the firecrackers sound like huge explosions and also cause panic. They even cause fires at times and may injure others. People are urged to desist from using those crackers," he said.
On general crime in the city, Moyo said police would be out in full force patrolling secluded spots.
"We have recorded a number of robberies recently especially where people move alone in secluded spots. We would like to urge members of the public to avoid using secluded foot paths at night," he said.
Responding to the announcement, Bulawayo Progressive Residents' Association coordinator Rodrick Fayayo said police must concentrate on more serious issues and "not blowing horns".
"Surely merely blowing a horn is a minor offence. The police must concentrate on hunting for criminals who commit armed robberies in the city and not clamping down on people who are just enjoying themselves," said Fayayo.
"They should also guard against corruption among their ranks especially those who man roadblocks. We have seen them taking bribes from commuter omnibus drivers."
Source - Byo24
