Police crack down on plateless vehicles

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned motorists driving vehicles without registration plates or fitted with unauthorised blue lights, sirens and other illegal gadgets that they risk arrest and having their vehicles impounded.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over motorists operating plateless vehicles and others installing equipment reserved for authorised emergency and official vehicles, potentially creating confusion and undermining law enforcement operations.

In a statement issued yesterday, the ZRP said it had noted a "disturbing trend" of motorists driving vehicles without registration numbers or plates on the country's roads in apparent disregard of the law.

Police also raised concern over the use of blue lights, sirens, bar lights, beams and other unauthorised fittings.

"It is a serious offence for any motorist or individual to drive vehicles without number plates in the country, or to fit blue lights and other gadgets on vehicles that are not permitted," the ZRP said.

The warning follows a directive from Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba ordering police stations, districts and provinces to intensify enforcement against motorists violating the regulations.

Officers have been instructed to arrest offenders and impound vehicles found operating without registration plates or fitted with illegal blue lights and other unauthorised equipment.

Police also warned that motorists would not be allowed to use excuses to evade enforcement action.

The latest directive places motorists with unregistered or improperly equipped vehicles on notice as police move to strengthen compliance with vehicle registration and road-use regulations.

The statement was issued by Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations to the Commissioner-General of Police, at Police General Headquarters.