HARARE – The Office of the President has issued a stern directive against the illegal use of government stickers, unauthorized motorcades, and vehicles operating without licence plates, warning that offenders will face arrest and prosecution. The announcement comes amid growing public concern over the alleged role of ruling party officials in the very offences being condemned.
In a statement, the President’s Office said these practices, used to bypass toll gates and roadblocks, are “causing serious problems for other road users and law enforcement agencies.”
However, the warning has been met with pointed observations from citizens and civic observers who claim the most frequent violators are often linked to the ruling Zanu-PF party and state security details.
“At toll gates, vehicles with Zanu-PF branded logos pass by without any payment, and these vehicles are so numerous,” said a regular highway user who requested anonymity for fear of victimization.
“Then comes those without number plates—Raptors, GD6s, Rangers, Fortuners. These vehicles are synonymous with belonging to the party or the security details.”
In Bulawayo, specific hotspots like the hotel on 10th Avenue between R. Mugabe Way and Josiah Tongogara Avenue have been cited.
“It’s almost on a daily basis,” a local vendor reported.
“Unmarked and plateless vehicles park haphazardly. Vehicles bearing the Zanu-PF logo park willy-nilly, breaking the law, as well as vehicles without number plates with heavily tinted windows.”
The situation appears compounded by recent reports of donated vehicles to party officials being driven without registration.
“Recently donated vehicles to Zanu-PF’s central committee members in Bulawayo roam around the streets without number plates,” a civic activist stated.
“This has led those who have friends amongst the ruling party to become lawless, riding on the wave of impunity.”
Analysts suggest the President’s Office faces a test of credibility.
“The Office of the President must reign in all its members and crack the whip to ensure that the law is followed at all times,” commented political analyst Tendai Moyo.
“When law enforcers are empowered to reign in Zanu-PF members, ordinary citizens will begin to abide by the law. The effectiveness of this warning will be judged not by the statement, but by uniform and impartial enforcement.”
The public now watches to see if the crackdown will be applied universally or if the perceived culture of impunity for connected individuals will persist.
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