Police Launch Nationwide Crackdown on Plateless Cars

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a nationwide operation targeting vehicles travelling without registration number plates and those illegally fitted with sirens and blue lights. In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation is already underway across the country. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that a nationwide operation is currently underway targeting vehicles moving on the roads without registration number plates and those illegally fitted with sirens, blue lights, bar lights, beacons and other unauthorized gadgets,” said Nyathi.

Police said the exercise applies to all categories of vehicles, including private cars, company vehicles, government vehicles and public service vehicles. Authorities say the move follows growing concern that some motorists are deliberately removing number plates to avoid identification after committing crimes or traffic offences. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern that some motorists are deliberately removing number plates to evade identification after committing offences such as armed robberies, kidnapping, hit-and-run road traffic accidents, as well as traffic violations,” Nyathi said.

Police also warned that some public service vehicles were involved in the practice. “It is also disturbing to note that some public service vehicles are removing registration plates to evade follow-ups on traffic offences and cause road accidents in some situations,” he said. Nyathi added that the illegal installation of emergency gadgets such as sirens and blue lights which are reserved for authorised emergency vehicles was creating disorder on the roads.