The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide operation to impound all vehicles without permanent registration plates, citing concerns over road safety and criminal activity.
According to a statement by ZRP Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act requires all acquired vehicles to be licensed and insured within two weeks of ownership transfer.
Nyathi, however, noted that many vehicles continue to operate without proper registration, posing a significant risk to lives and property.
The police expressed concern that some unregistered vehicles are being used as getaway cars by armed robbers and pirate taxis, which disregard road rules and regulations.
“Unlicensed and uninsured vehicles are a risk to lives and property as innocent people who get injured or lose life during mishaps cannot be compensated in terms of the law.
The Police has noted with concern that some of the vehicles moving on the roads without registration plates are being used as getaway cars by armed robbers and other motorists such as pirate taxis or mushikashika, who wantonly violate road rules and regulations as they cannot be traced.,” he said.
As part of the crackdown, Nyathi said vehicles without permanent registration plates will be impounded and only released once affixed with number plates. He said this will include imported vehicles moving with temporary plates.
“This include those vehicles which have been imported and are moving with temporary plates.
“The Police has been assured by the Central Vehicle Registry that they have adequate stock of number plates, therefore there is no excuse for motorists not to register vehicles after importation as stipulated under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, Chapter 13:13,” he said.
