HARARE – Police arrested 2,000 motorists on the first day of an operation to deal with “lawlessness on the roads.”
Police have mounted roadblocks across the country in an inter-agency operation running from September 12 to 16, national police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said on Wednesday.
“Lawlessness on the roads, especially in major cities, has reached an alarming and unacceptable level. Some drivers cause chaos on the roads by driving against one-way oncoming traffic, through red traffic lights and making lane violations,” Nyathi said.
“Pirate taxis commonly known as mushika-shika and kombis have almost taken over the passenger service industry and are plying the roads with impunity. They recklessly drive through red traffic controlled intersections.”
The operation known as ‘Tame the Traffic Jungle’ has police, councils, Safety Council of Zimbabwe, ZIMRA, Central Vehicle Registration and other agencies participating.
“Police will make sure that the law takes its course without fear or favour,” Nyathi said.
Police are targeting vehicles not displaying number plates, vehicles picking up passengers at undesignated spots, broken down vehicles without proper signalling to other motorists like triangles, uninsured vehicles, and vehicles with illegal fittings like front bar lights.
Nyathi said on September 12, they arrested 1,940 motorists and seized 865 vehicles for various violations.
“The police warns motorists who will try to compromise the operation by trying to negotiate with police officers on the ground or offer bribes to be let scot-free that they will be arrested,” Nyathi added.
