Police officers strip parts from impounded vehicles

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has come under fire following widespread allegations that some officers are stripping parts from impounded vehicles, including commuter omnibuses, which have been piling up at police stations across the country.

The accusations come amid an ongoing nationwide traffic enforcement blitz, which police say is aimed at restoring order on the roads and curbing the activities of unlicensed, unregistered, and non-compliant public transport operators.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the crackdown has so far resulted in the arrest of over 169,000 motorists for various traffic offences.

Among the most common violations, Nyathi listed failure to display registration plates, operating unregistered or defective vehicles, and driving without valid route permits or licences. Other offences include overloading, operating outside designated routes, and the use of fake driver's licences.

However, investigations have revealed growing concern among motorists and transport operators that impounded vehicles are being stripped of valuable parts — including batteries, mirrors, and bumpers — while parked at police stations.

Vehicle owners told reporters they were now rushing to police stations to remove parts from their vehicles immediately after impoundment to prevent theft.

"What is happening now is that every time your vehicle is impounded, it comes back without a battery or mirrors. Sometimes the people even remove bumpers," one transporter said.

Others alleged that some police officers were demanding bribes to avoid impoundment, with payments ranging between US$30 and above.

"If you cannot pay, that is when the vehicles are impounded," said another operator.

Transporters also complained that in several cases, their vehicles were damaged during arrests, particularly when drivers tried to evade police roadblocks.

"We have lost a lot when our vehicles are attacked — especially shattered windscreens when the vehicles try to avoid being arrested," one commuter omnibus owner added.

Most of the vandalised vehicles are reportedly parked at various police stations across the country, some of which are already congested due to the high number of impounded vehicles.

In response, Commissioner Nyathi dismissed the allegations that police officers were stripping or damaging vehicles under custody.

"If anyone's property is vandalised while in police custody, they are encouraged to come forward and report the matter," he said. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police does not condone any form of misconduct or abuse of property under our care."

Nyathi emphasized that strict procedures are in place to secure all impounded vehicles and that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action.

"Any specific complaints should be formally reported, and we will conduct a thorough investigation. Any officers found to be in breach of the law will be dealt with firmly in accordance with our internal disciplinary procedures and national laws," he said.

Meanwhile, transport associations have called for independent monitoring of police holding yards and improved transparency in the handling of impounded vehicles to protect owners from losses.