Title: Thousands Arrested as Zimbabwe Takes Action Against Lawlessness on the Roads
In a determined effort to combat rampant lawlessness on Zimbabwe’s roads, over 43,000 motorists have been arrested during a recent traffic blitz. The crackdown, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to bring order and safety to the country’s transportation system. Operating under the name Tame the Traffic Jungle, the operation specifically targets drivers without licenses, unregistered vehicles, and individuals engaging in reckless driving.
Home Affairs minister, Kazembe Kazembe, emphasized the need for discipline on the roads in a recent interview with NewZimbabwe.com. He stated, Lawlessness on the roads cannot be allowed to continue getting out of hand at this rate. There is a need for sanity on our roads. When questioned about the impact of the police operation, Kazembe urged transport operators to comply with the country’s laws and continue serving the public.
Despite the commendable efforts to establish order, the police operation has resulted in some unintended consequences. Commuters have been left stranded due to the reduced number of available vehicles, leading to increased fares. In certain cases, passengers have had to pay up to US$2.00 for a trip that typically costs US$0.50. However, the police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, emphasized that the operation is merely enforcing the law.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi provided an update on the ongoing operation, revealing that a total of 43,154 motorists have been apprehended for various offenses. Among the arrests, 1,222 were related to vehicles operating without route permits, while 14,469 were made in connection with illegal pirate taxis, known as mushikashika. Reckless driving led to the arrest of 342 motorists, while 2,961 individuals were detained for touting. In addition, 1,048 vehicles were impounded for lacking registration plates.
The traffic blitz seeks to establish order and safety on Zimbabwe’s roads, addressing the urgent need for disciplined driving. While the operation has impacted commuters and raised concerns about increased fares, it highlights the government’s commitment to ending lawlessness in the transportation sector. As the crackdown continues, it remains crucial for all drivers and transport operators to uphold the laws of the country and prioritize the wellbeing of the public.
