HARARE – Motorists are worried about the rise of unregistered vehicles on the road that do not display number plates as per the law, as well as the increase in the number of vehicles flashing blue lights and forcing others off the road.
But Information Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana says failure to display number plates and register vehicles is a criminal offence.
Roads usually abused by the “motorcades” are Enterprise Road and Borrowdale Road, with motorists now seeking clarity and government intervention.
United Kingdom-based journalist Chofamba Sithole took to X, formerly Twitter, to question the rise of unregistered vehicles, saying: “Cde Nick Mangwana, in many countries, it is standard practice that all vehicles on public roads display visible registration plates, including state vehicles, for accountability and road safety.
“In Zimbabwe, there is a growing proliferation of unmarked vehicles with no number plates, often driving aggressively, flashing other motorists off the road, and running red robots. Can you clarify: is this an official government policy, and who are these vehicles accountable to?
“If even the President’s vehicle is clearly marked, what explains the presence of these unmarked ‘UFOs’ on our roads?” he quizzed.
Several people who commented on the matter raised similar concerns and pleaded for action.
In response, Mangwana said: “It is government policy that all vehicles on our roads should be registered. The government has already pronounced itself on this and will enforce the law. The public is advised to avoid inconveniences by not taking undocumented vehicles on our roads.” – ZiFM
