Zimbabwe police have impounded more than 1,000 vehicles this week after launching a nationwide crackdown targeting unregistered vehicles and cars fitted with illegal sirens, blue lights and other unauthorised gadgets.

The operation, led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), is being conducted across the country and applies to all categories of vehicles, including private cars, company fleets, Government vehicles and public service vehicles.

Police say the crackdown follows a rise in incidents where motorists remove number plates to evade identification while committing crimes or violating traffic laws.

Police Confirm Nationwide Operation

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the enforcement campaign and warned that authorities will impound vehicles found without registration plates.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that a countrywide 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 unauthorised gadgets,” said Comm Nyathi.

He added that the operation covers all types of vehicles on Zimbabwe’s roads, with no exemptions.

Vehicles Linked to Criminal Activities

Police say vehicles without registration plates have increasingly been linked to serious criminal activities.

According to the ZRP, such vehicles have been used in:

• armed robberies
• kidnappings
• hit-and-run accidents
• dangerous traffic violations

Authorities say some motorists deliberately remove number plates to avoid identification after committing crimes or breaking traffic laws.

Public service vehicles have also been accused of removing plates to avoid enforcement or evade follow-ups on traffic offences.

Illegal Sirens and Lights Under Scrutiny

Police have also raised alarm over vehicles illegally installing sirens, blue lights, bar lights and beacons, equipment that is normally reserved for emergency and authorised government vehicles.

Officials warn that such devices create confusion on the roads and may endanger other motorists.

“Some vehicles are being fitted with illegal sirens, blue lights and bar lights, which are reserved for authorised emergency vehicles,” Comm Nyathi said.

“This causes chaos on the roads. The use of bar lights has also been noted to disturb the vision of other motorists at night, thereby endangering road users.”

Vehicles to Remain Impounded Until Registered

Police said vehicles seized during the operation will only be released after proper registration processes have been completed and number plates have been installed.

Authorities also warned that illegal sirens, lights and other gadgets will be removed immediately.

“All illegal sirens, blue lights, bar lights, beacons and related gadgets will be removed on the spot with no excuses being entertained,” said Comm Nyathi.

Police Warn Against Fake Documents Circulating Online

Meanwhile, police have urged the public to ignore a document circulating on social media which allegedly contains details about the ongoing operation.

Authorities say the document was leaked from an internal meeting and should not be treated as an official police communication.

Comm Nyathi emphasised that all official updates about the crackdown will be issued through authorised Zimbabwe Republic Police channels.

Similar Crackdowns in Previous Years

Police have previously conducted similar operations targeting unregistered vehicles.

In 2022, more than 45,100 motorists were arrested during a nationwide enforcement campaign.

Authorities said at the time that some drivers — including prominent individuals — were operating unregistered high-value vehicles, raising concerns about compliance with road regulations.

Authorities Urge Motorists to Comply With the Law

Police say vehicle registration remains a legal requirement under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act (Chapter 13:14).

Authorities say proper vehicle registration helps law enforcement track vehicles and prevent crimes such as robbery, r@pe, m¤rd£r and hit-and-run accidents.

Motorists have been urged to cooperate with police during the operation to maintain safety and order on Zimbabwe’s roads.

Source: Chronicle
Reporter: Senior Writer, Chronicle