Sikhumbuzo Moyo, smoyo@chronicle.co.zw

HARARE and Bulawayo have recorded the highest number of impounded vehicles since police launched a nationwide crackdown targeting plate-less vehicles and those illegally fitted with blue lights.
The ongoing blitz, spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), has seen officers mounting roadblocks, an exercise aimed at restoring order on the country’s roads.

Releasing the latest statistics, national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said 939 vehicles have been impounded in Harare, with 700 being impounded in Bulawayo.

Mashonaland Central has the third highest figure at 647, while Mashonaland West has 565 impounded vehicles.

“In Mashonaland East, 481 vehicles have so far been impounded, Midlands 326, Manicaland 299 and Masvingo 270,” said Comm Nyathi.

Matabeleland North and South have the least number of impounded vehicles, at 188 and 173 respectively, bringing the national number of impounded vehicles to 4 588.

Comm Nyathi said the blitz has so far yielded the expected results, further reiterating that no vehicle must be on the country’s roads without proper number plates.

“We want to reiterate, as we hereby do, that as police we won’t tire in this operation and let me also warn those that are in the habit of mounting fake number plates from off road vehicles, especially for public service vehicles, that the law will soon catch up with you,” said Comm Nyathi.

He said mounting of fake number plates is mainly concentrated in Harare and Bulawayo.

Meanwhile, Comm Nyathi has dismissed as unfounded and reckless reports in some social media circles that the operation is targeting foreign tourists.

“The ZRP has noted with concern false information circulating on social media on tourists’ vehicle movement and the use of rooftop tents or roof racks.

“The ZRP makes it categorically clear that no tourists’ vehicles are being impounded in Zimbabwe for using rooftop tents or roof racks,” said Comm Nyathi.

He said the false information must, as it should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves. “For the record, any tourist who needs clarity should feel free to contact any nearest Police Station or National

Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800197.
The ZRP has also engaged Zimbabwe Tourism Authority over these false messages, said Comm Nyathi.