BULAWAYO,– Police have moved to stop the impounding of vehicles by law enforcement agents, with senior officials insisting that motorists cannot be punished for failing to carry reflective jackets, put on safety belts or a vehicle triangles.
Speaking at the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe Bulawayo Chapter’s interaction programme with the police this week, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the Police Commissioner-General had not authorised officers to confiscate vehicles over such issues, warning that those enforcing non-existent penalties would face action.
“I want to say it here and to say it categorically. The Commissioner-General of Police has not authorised police officers to impound vehicles for people not carrying effective strangles, for people not wearing safety belts, or for people not having effective jackets.
“The police commanders must brief our police officers so that they continue to perform their duties according to city standards,” Nyathi said.
“And if they go out of way, we will certainly take action. And I’m saying this with certainty. The Commissioner-General of Police says that action will be taken.
“We want police officers who are flexible. We want police officers who are disciplined. So, no vehicle will be impounded for not carrying an effective strangle.”
However, police urged drivers to take responsibility for road safety and to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, especially during the festive season.
“But we also want the driver to be responsible. It is in the interest of each and every driver to know the rules and regulations, to know the dos and don’ts while driving. But certainly, our drivers are not doing that.
Authorities also vowed to crack down on unroadworthy cars and illegal public transport operators, popularly known as mushikashika, arguing they were causing fatal accidents.
“It’s the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure the car is fit. We will take action on worn-out tyres and unsafe vehicles. We cannot keep complaining after people die.”
Police also called on passengers to refuse unsafe transport and avoid negligence on the roads.
“Let us not be reckless with our lives,” Nyathi said. – News Day
