MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-Four hundred and twenty nine vehicles in the Midlands Province have been in four days in a blitz to restore order on the roads.
The operation commenced on the 15th of January and as at January 18, Zvishavane has the highest number of impounded vehicles counting to 110, followed by Gweru Urban District 107, Kwekwe 95, Gweru Rural District 69 and Gokwe has the lowest of 48 impounded cars.
Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the operation was a response to public outcry and observations of criminal acts happening on the roads, hence the exercise aimed at curbing rising lawlessness in all public roads in cities, towns and business centers.
He said the illegal acts include traffic flow disruptions through picking and dropping of passengers at undesignated points, dangerous parking, stuffing of passengers in car boots or roof tops and driving against oncoming traffic.
Adding that the use of unroadworthy vehicles, over speeding and putting the travelling public at risk is now rampant.
Insp Mahoko told The Midweek Watch that touts are on the prowl, harassing the travelling public and grabbing their luggages as well as preventing them from boarding buses of their choice.
He said the mushika-shika are being used to commit crimes such as robberies, thefts, murders, kidnapping, among other offences.
“In executing the operation, we have deployed our personel on all public roads. Motor vehicles found to be operating public transport passenger business without requisite licenses are being impounded.
“These also include those being driven by unlicensed drivers and unroadworthy vehicles. Depending on the state oft the motor vehicle and offences charged, some are being taken to VID for examination,” added Insp Mahoko.
He said in some cases suspects are invited to pay admission of guilty fines while dockets are also prepared for courts for some crimes.
Insp Mahoko appealed for cooperation from the public during the exercise and invited those with any information concerning any illegal activities involving motor vehicles, to approach any police stations.
