KEY POINTS
- The police are launching a crackdown on reckless drivers in anticipation of the upcoming holidays.
- Officers will seize unroadworthy and unregistered vehicles.
- Teams dedicated to combating armed robberies have been deployed to enhance holiday safety.
Police in Zimbabwe will mount a sweeping security operation ahead of the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, warning reckless drivers and criminals that they face arrest.
Commissioner-General Shepherd Mutamba said yesterday that officers will be out in force across the country, staging roadblocks, stop-and-search blitzes, patrols, and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing road carnage and curbing crime.
Crackdown on reckless drivers and unroadworthy cars
Mutamba urged motorists to obey traffic laws and ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound. He pointed to a recent fatal accident on Seke Road in Chitungwiza as a strong example of the need for regular servicing and maintenance.
“No vehicle should be driven with mechanical defects,” he said. “We will impound all unroadworthy vehicles for the safety of Zimbabweans.” He warned that any vehicle without proper registration plates will also be seized, ordering commanders to act without exceptions.
The commissioner-general also prohibited the unauthorized use of blue lights and sirens, emphasizing that these privileges are exclusive to the Presidium and emergency vehicles. The operation will target bar lights fitted in violation of traffic regulations.
Public service vehicle operators, Mutamba said, must adhere strictly to permit terms, avoid overloading, and stop employing touts who harass passengers. Speeding, unsafe overtaking, and carrying excess passengers will be “severely” punished.
Holiday security operation to target armed robbers
Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson, announced the mobilization of specialized teams. Their mandate is to combat armed robberies and other serious crimes that occur during the holidays.
He urged citizens to report suspicious activity immediately and avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home or work. He also advised them to protect sensitive financial information.
Nyathi also appealed for parental vigilance, warning about the risks of drug abuse and violence involving young people. “Security is a collective effort,” he said, calling on the public to work with law enforcement to ensure safe celebrations.
