The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned motorists that any vehicle operating without displayed number plates will be impounded by the police as per the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act (Chapter 13:14).
In a statement issued on Friday, 28 March, ZRP spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the impounded vehicles will only be released after completing the necessary registration process with the relevant authorities.
Nyathi stressed that the law applies to all vehicles, whether family-owned, public, company, government, or private vehicles.
He also warned that vehicle owners, sellers, and buyers will be held accountable if the vehicle is used in any criminal activities while not complying with registration laws. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
<h2>POLICE ACTION ON VEHICLES WITH NO REGISTRATION PLATES ON THE ROADS</h2>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reminds the public that any vehicle moving on the country’s roads without displaying number plates as required under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act Chapter 13: 14, will be impounded for the law to take its course.
Such vehicles will only be released after the necessary registration process has been conducted with relevant authorities in terms of the law.
The public should take note that this applies to all vehicles whether family owned, public owned, company vehicles, Government or private owned.
Motorists and vehicle owners should take note and accordingly assist in the maintenance of law and order in the country. 
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has also noted with concern the proliferation of vehicles being sold and change of ownership not effected within two weeks as required under the vehicle registration process in the country.
For instance, Police investigations have revealed a disturbing trend where a vehicle is sold to nearly five or seven people and continues to be registered in the first owner’s name. 
Most of the anomalies are discovered when a vehicle is involved in an incident warranting Police action. 
The law is clear, all such vehicles will be followed up and action taken against the persons involved at every stage of the process.
Vehicle owners, sellers, and buyers will be held accountable for the commission of any criminal act by suspects using vehicles which are not complying with provisions of Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, chapter 13:14.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

The police in Zimbabwe are warning people that if their cars don't have number plates, they will be taken away. The law applies to all vehicles, whether they are owned by families, companies, or the government. If a car is sold multiple times without transferring ownership, the police will take action. It is important for everyone to follow the rules to keep the country safe. If a car is used for illegal activities without proper registration, the owners, sellers, and buyers will be held responsible. Police want to ensure that vehicles are properly registered and follow the law.

Police To Impound Vehicles Without Number Plates

The police have announced that they will take away any vehicles on the roads without registration plates. These vehicles will only be returned once they have number plates. This rule also applies to vehicles that have been imported and are using temporary plates.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 18, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that some of these unregistered vehicles are being used by armed robbers and illegal taxis, known as mushikashika.
Commissioner Nyathi also said the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) has enough number plates available, so there is no reason for drivers not to register their vehicles after importing them. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to clarify that it is in the interest of motorists and road safety that all vehicles moving on the country’s roads be fitted with permanent registration plates.
Motorists should take note that vehicles with no permanent registration numbers cannot be licensed or insured.
The Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, Chapter 13:14 clearly specifies that an acquired vehicle should have a change of ownership effected within two weeks and licensed thereof.
Such vehicles are not supposed to be driven on the roads until licensed and insured. Unlicensed and uninsured vehicles are a risk to lives and property as innocent people who get injured or lose life during mishaps cannot be compensated in terms of the law.
The Police has noted with concern that some of the vehicles moving on the roads without registration plates are being used as getaway cars by armed robbers and other motorists such as pirate taxis or mushikashika, who wantonly violate road rules and regulations as they cannot be traced.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified enforcement on all motor vehicles moving on the roads without permanent registration plates.
Any vehicle moving on the roads with no registration plates will be impounded and only released when affixed with number plates.This include those vehicles which have been imported and are moving with temporary plates.
The Police has been assured by the Central Vehicle Registry that they have adequate stock of number plates, therefore there is no excuse for motorists not to register vehicles after importation as stipulated under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, Chapter 13:13.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The police are removing cars without number plates from the roads for safety. These cars can be used by bad people like robbers or illegal taxis. It is important for all cars on the road to have number plates so they can be identified. Motorists should register their cars within two weeks of getting them. The police will impound cars without number plates until they get them registered. The Central Vehicle Registry has enough number plates, so there is no excuse for not registering cars. It is important for everyone to follow the rules to keep roads safe.

Police Launch Operation Targeting Cars Without Number Plates

The Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, has warned motorists that it is an offence for vehicles to ply the country’s roads without registration number plates.
In a public notice issued on Monday, 13 November, the Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development Pedzisayi Joy Makumbe said that all vehicles without registration number plates will be clamped down with immediate effect. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
Government notes with concern that there is a growing trend of vehicles plying the country’s roads without registration number plates.
The public is hereby notified that it is an offence to drive an unregistered and or an unlicensed vehicle.
To ensure that no one and no place is left behind, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has fully decentralised the issuance of vehicle registration number plates.
Local production of vehicle registration number plates has ensured adequate stock; hence motorists are encouraged to visit their nearest ZimPost, ZIMRA offices or the nearest port of entry to acquire number plates.
To maintain order and sanity in the country, all vehicles without registration number plates will be clamped down with immediate effect.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Vows To Clamp Down On Unregistered Vehicles

Police in Bulawayo said that they have noted a 75 per cent reduction in crimes associated with unregistered motor vehicles and those without number plates such as armed robbery, rape and kidnapping in the past two weeks.
On 15 January, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) launched an operation to remove from the country’s roads all unregistered motor vehicles and those without number plates.
Police said some of the vehicles were being used as getaway cars in the commission of dangerous crimes.
ZRP spokesperson in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Inspector Abednico Ncube, said:
<blockquote>
On average we were receiving four cases of robberies involving unregistered motor vehicles per week. But now we receive just one. During this operation, we almost realised a 75 per cent reduction of similar crimes.
We have seen a reduction of cases involving such vehicles in offences like robberies and rape over the period of this operation.
</blockquote>
Inspector Ncube implored the public to desist from boarding unregistered cars and those without number plates as this exposes them to rape, robbery and kidnapping. He said:
<blockquote>
Of course, we have received a case of robbery and rape where a woman boarded a motor vehicle going to Southwold, and on the way, she was raped. But generally, the cases have been reduced.
Despite the fact that we have an operation, our members of the public are still supporting these vehicles.
So, we are urging them to cooperate with the police and only use licensed public service vehicles and not pirate taxis.
</blockquote>
The ZRP said that 24 355 arrests have been made since the operation started on 15 January.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/decline-in-crimes-involving-unregistered-vehicles/">Chronicle</a></h4>

75 Per Cent Decline In Crimes Involving Unregistered Vehicles

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said there will be no sacred cows in an operation targeting unregistered, unlicensed and plate-less vehicles which started on Saturday.
Police Chief Superintendent Staff Officer, Blessmore Chishaka said Government-owned motor vehicles will not be receiving any preferential treatment during the operation.
Police have linked robberies, kidnappings, rape, murder among other serious crimes to criminals moving around driving unregistered and plate-less vehicles. Said Chishaka:
<blockquote>
As we carry out this operation, the motoring public is advised that there are no exemptions as far as this operation is concerned.
All plate-less, unregistered and unlicensed motor vehicles will be impounded, and cases referred to court for prosecution including Government vehicles.
The operation is being conducted to account for criminals who are committing crimes using these plate-less, unregistered and unlicensed motor vehicles.
We continue to warn all those with criminal intentions that we will be ruthless with them in ensuring that sanity prevails on our roads.
</blockquote>
On Sunday the ZRP said the operation started off with a total of 967 arrests being made countrywide on the first day, that is, Saturday.
784 vehicles were impounded and 179 motorists were fined for various offences while four others were issued with notices to appear in court (form 265), according to the police.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/no-special-treatment-for-unregistered-govt-vehicles/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Unregistered Govt Vehicles To Be Impounded - Police

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of 967 motorists yesterday for driving unlicensed, plate-less or unregistered vehicles.
This comes after ZRP last week advised the public that it will launch an operation targetting all vehicles with no registration plates or Temporary Identification Cards (TICs) countrywide.
In an update this Sunday, ZRP said 784 vehicles were impounded and 179 motorists were fined for various offences. The statement read:
<blockquote>
The operation targeting unlicensed, plate-less and unregistered vehicles has started off with a total of 967 arrests being made countrywide on the 1st day, 15/01/22.
784 vehicles were impounded and 179 motorists were fined for various offences while four others were issued with notices to appear in court (form 265).
The ZRP continues to urge members of the public to desist from using plate-less and unregistered vehicles.
</blockquote>
In Bulawayo, police officers were working alongside Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials, according to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/police-crackdown-leaves-commuters-stranded/">NewZimbabwe</a>.
The ZRP said a lot of crimes ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, murder and rape have been committed by people moving around in vehicles without licence plates.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

967 Motorists Arrested On First Day Of Police Crackdown

Police in Bulawayo last week arrested two men who were part of a gang that stole number plates from cars around the city and fitted them onto their Honda Fit vehicle to commit crimes.
Bulawayo Police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said the suspects, Fayton Zata (27) and Thabo Mthombeni (29) abandoned their motor vehicle a Red Honda Fit, registration number ACO 9550 at the scene on 24 April when they were spotted by alert security guard tempering with some motor vehicles that were parked at Ascot shopping centre. He said:
<blockquote>The abandoned motor vehicle was searched, and the following items were recovered: a national identity card and driver’s license belonging to accused number one, a pair of scissors and a set of number plates AES 4028 were in the boot.
The number plates had been reported stolen on 20 April 2021 from a Mercedes Benz ML 270 vehicle which was parked at Cold Storage Commission in Belmont, Bulawayo.
Police crack team searched on social media using Facebook and managed to identify accused person number one using the recovered particulars.
The team managed to communicate with the accused person through Facebook and he disclosed his residential address.</blockquote>
Insp Ncube said Zata was arrested at his place and he admitted to having committed theft from motor vehicles and that he abandoned the vehicle, a Honda fit at Ascot Shopping Centre in Bulawayo. He added:
<blockquote>Zata also revealed that he committed the offences in the company of Mthembeni adding that they committed the offence with the other three accused persons only known as Bhekani, Geribee and Farai who are still at large.
The two arrested accused persons indicated that they got the number plates ACO 9550 from one of the outstanding accused persons known as Bhekani.</blockquote>
Insp Ncube warned criminals that the long arm of the law is closing in on them.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/just-in-number-plates-thieves-nabbed/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Police Arrest Two Vehicle Number Plate Thieves

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) said that all unregistered vehicles are with immediate effect not allowed to pass through tollgates.
In a statement, ZINARA public relations manager Tendai Mugabe advised motorists that the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) has enough stocks of registration number plates. He said:
<blockquote>… it is illegal to drive a vehicle without registration number plates on the country’s roads.
As such, all vehicles without registration number plates will not be allowed to pass through our tollgates countrywide and members of the ZRP are going to impound such vehicle.
The Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) has enough stocks of registration number plates and motorists without the registration number plates are advised to visit CVR for assistance.</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said, so far, it has impounded 11 917 pirate taxis and unregistered vehicles countrywide.
Police said they would release the vehicles impounded for lack of registration plates once the owners have registered them.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/no-passage-for-unregistered-cars-at-tollgates/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Vehicles Without Number Plates Will Not Pass Through Tollgates - ZINARA

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Tuesday issued a statement advising motorists that all vehicles moving on the roads without number plates will be impounded.
This follows another statement on September 8th in which the police warned that vehicles without number plates will be seized.
In the latest statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said the Transport Ministry said it has adequate stocks of number plates and motorists are unwilling to acquire them.
Below is the statement in full:
<blockquote> UPDATE ON POLICE WARNING ON VEHICLES WITH NO REGISTRATION PLATES
Reference is made to the statement issued on 8th September 2020 with regards to vehicles moving around without number plates.
The Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure has formally advised the police that there are adequate stocks of number plates but motorists are reluctant to acquire them, thereby posing a security risk on the roads.
In this regard, the police will impound all vehicles moving on the roads without number plates.
There is no justification for any motorist to drive vehicles on the road without number plates.
Motorists are urged to cooperate and if there are any challenges, they should approach the relevant authorities.
Police Commanders have been directed to ensure that only vehicles with number plates are allowed passage at roadblocks, checkpoints and other security points.
Members of the public should take this warning seriously and contribute towards the maintenance of law and order on the roads.
[NYATHI. P] Assistant Commissioner Senior Staff Officer [Press, Public and International Relations]</blockquote>

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