HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a firm warning that public or private motorcade escorts using sirens, blue lights or beacon lights are strictly reserved for the country’s presidium and cannot be used by private individuals or organisations.
The clarification follows a nationwide operation recently launched by police targeting vehicles moving on the country’s roads without number plates as well as those fitted with illegal sirens, beacon lights and other emergency-style equipment.
In a follow-up statement to the operation, police stressed that motorists must not attempt to create private convoys or escorts resembling official government motorcades.
Authorities said anyone engaging in such activities will face decisive law enforcement action.
The police position forms part of broader efforts to restore order on Zimbabwe’s roads amid growing concern over motorists misusing emergency-style gadgets and evading vehicle identification requirements. Police said in the statement:
“Zimbabweans are once again reminded that public or private escorts are the preserve of the country’s presidium only.”
The presidium in Zimbabwe refers to the Head of State and Government, the First Vice President and the Second Vice President, whose official movements are protected through authorised security convoys.
Police say the increasing appearance of vehicles with flashing blue lights, sirens and unofficial escorts has created confusion on the roads and undermined traffic management systems designed to prioritise genuine emergency and security services.
Under the ongoing operation, officers have been instructed to stop and inspect vehicles at roadblocks and checkpoints across the country.
Authorities have reiterated that no vehicle without valid registration plates will be allowed to pass through police checkpoints.
Vehicles found moving without number plates will be impounded immediately and only released once owners complete proper registration processes and fit lawful plates.
At the same time, police will remove illegal sirens, blue lights, beacon lights and similar gadgets from vehicles found to be unlawfully using them.
The crackdown comes amid concerns that criminals have increasingly used plateless vehicles to commit offences such as armed robbery, kidnappings and hit-and-run accidents before escaping identification.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi previously warned that the misuse of emergency-style equipment also poses a direct road safety risk by creating unnecessary panic and confusion among motorists.
Authorities have urged drivers and vehicle owners to fully comply with the law and cooperate with officers during the operation.
The ZRP says the enforcement campaign is part of wider efforts to strengthen public safety, maintain road discipline and ensure that emergency privileges on Zimbabwe’s roads remain strictly regulated.
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