News / National
Police warn looting at accident scenes
10 Dec 2024 at 12:54hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a stern warning to the public against looting goods from accident scenes, describing it as a serious criminal offence.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi condemned the practice in the wake of a tragic road traffic accident along the Harare-Bulawayo highway, where locals reportedly looted goods from a haulage truck involved in the crash.
"The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on Sunday at around 0330 hours at the 330-kilometre peg along Harare-Bulawayo Road," said Commissioner Nyathi.
The accident involved an Inter Africa bus that collided with a stationary haulage truck. Seven people were killed in the crash, and authorities are still working to determine the number of injured victims.
In addition to the tragedy, residents from the surrounding community looted several goods from the haulage truck, prompting the police's warning.
Commissioner Nyathi emphasized that looting from accident scenes is a criminal offence, regardless of the circumstances. He called on communities to report individuals who engage in such behavior to the authorities.
"Taking advantage of a road traffic accident to steal goods from vehicles or trucks is unlawful and will not be tolerated," he stated.
The police urged the public to act responsibly and assist accident victims instead of exploiting such situations for personal gain.
The ZRP is investigating both the circumstances surrounding the accident and the looting incident. Commissioner Nyathi appealed for cooperation from witnesses and reminded motorists to adhere to road safety regulations to prevent such tragedies.
The police called on communities near highways to respect accident victims and avoid tampering with accident scenes, which can compromise investigations and rescue operations.
Further updates on the injured victims and the investigation will be provided as the authorities continue their inquiries.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi condemned the practice in the wake of a tragic road traffic accident along the Harare-Bulawayo highway, where locals reportedly looted goods from a haulage truck involved in the crash.
"The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on Sunday at around 0330 hours at the 330-kilometre peg along Harare-Bulawayo Road," said Commissioner Nyathi.
The accident involved an Inter Africa bus that collided with a stationary haulage truck. Seven people were killed in the crash, and authorities are still working to determine the number of injured victims.
In addition to the tragedy, residents from the surrounding community looted several goods from the haulage truck, prompting the police's warning.
"Taking advantage of a road traffic accident to steal goods from vehicles or trucks is unlawful and will not be tolerated," he stated.
The police urged the public to act responsibly and assist accident victims instead of exploiting such situations for personal gain.
The ZRP is investigating both the circumstances surrounding the accident and the looting incident. Commissioner Nyathi appealed for cooperation from witnesses and reminded motorists to adhere to road safety regulations to prevent such tragedies.
The police called on communities near highways to respect accident victims and avoid tampering with accident scenes, which can compromise investigations and rescue operations.
Further updates on the injured victims and the investigation will be provided as the authorities continue their inquiries.
Source - hmetro
