leeroy mupariri
Crime Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has said the operation that they are conducting is targeting anyone who is posing a danger to other innocent motorists and disobeying traffic rules and regulations.
Those who are being targeted by police are motorists causing congestion, picking and dropping passengers at undesignated points, creating imaginary lanes, driving against the flow of traffic (one-way), and those operating as Public Service Vehicles when they do not have relevant permits, route authority and vehicle fitness.
The sentiments by the police come after several comments on social media by members of the public over the operation code named, “No to Mushikashika, Pirate Taxis and Lawlessness on the Roads”.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police notes and appreciates the varied comments on social media by the public and interested groups on the operation, “No to Mushikashika, Pirate Taxis and Lawlessness on the Roads”.
“In this regard, the Police implore all motorists to be law-abiding citizens by exhibiting good driving conduct on the roads.
“The current operation will target everybody who is posing a danger to other innocent motorists by causing congestion, picking and dropping passengers at undesignated points, creating imaginary lanes, driving against the flow of traffic (one-way) and those operating as Public Service Vehicles but they do not have relevant permits, route authority, and vehicle fitness.”
He said the police are aware that some kombi operators and crew have removed the official registration number plates (red plates) and are now operating with yellow registration number plates while playing hide and seek with law enforcement officers.
“The police will therefore arrest anyone engaged in reckless driving conduct irrespective of the fact that one is driving a company vehicle, family vehicle or public service vehicle,” Comm Nyathi said.
“The law is the law. Let us all comply for the effective maintenance of law and order in the country and road safety.
“In the same vein, those motorists who will try to bribe Zimbabwe Republic Police members will face stern action.”
He said transporters or Public Service Vehicle operators should ensure that their drivers follow the law and be exemplary on the roads.
“All in all, no one will be arrested or inconvenienced by the police as long as one is driving properly and following the country’s road rules and regulations,” he said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that all Zimbabweans should cooperate with Police officers deployed for this operation to promote road safety for all.”
