Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Crimes & Courts Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a stern warning to the public: stay away from cars with hidden or missing number plates.
In a dramatic crackdown, officers are impounding vehicles that try to dodge the law, and passengers could be in serious danger.
Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, ZRP’s Press and Public Relations Officer, described the practice as a “very bad habit” and a major safety risk. Offenders are using dirty papers, sellotape, or reflective materials to obscure plates, or sometimes removing them completely.
“These aren’t harmless tricks. Some of these vehicles are used in crimes like armed robbery, and their drivers think they can break traffic laws with impunity,” Inspector Msebele said.
The police cited alarming cases of hit-and-run accidents where witnesses couldn’t note down registration numbers because digits were missing.
“A car isn’t just ‘white’ or ‘blue’, its number plate is its identity. Without it, chaos happens, and people get hurt,” Inspector Msebele warned.
The crackdown is not just a warning, it’s action. Drivers with hidden plates will be arrested and vehicles impounded. Authorities caution that suspects may resist, drive recklessly, or even endanger passengers while trying to escape.
Inspector Msebele shared a chilling example: a driver reversed from 6th Avenue all the way to 4th Avenue, smashing into four cars in a terrifying display of recklessness.
Passengers are strongly urged:
“Do not board these vehicles. Once the driver is caught, they will do anything to escape, and your life could be at risk while you are inside that car. People then blame the police for this and that, but these boys are dangerous,” Inspector Msebele warned.
The ZRP says the crackdown is part of its ongoing commitment to road safety and crime prevention. Citizens are reminded to always check that number plates are clearly visible before getting into any vehicle.
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