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Snr Asst Comm Charamba

Crime Reporter
Police have expressed concern over motorists who disobey their instructions to stop at roadblocks. This comes in the wake of cases in which motorists evade roadblocks by speeding off when waved down by officers manning check points.

Some police officers have been knocked down and killed, while other drivers have also been involved in fatal road accidents as a result.

Chief police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, said the force was concerned with such cases.

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“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with drivers who do not take heed of calls that we have made regarding speeding, overtaking errors, drunken driving and failing to stop at police checking points when instructed to do so,” she said.

She urged motorists to comply with police manning roadblocks and to abide by all traffic rules and regulations.

“We also urge drivers to be cautious when driving on the road and they should avoid overtaking in front of oncoming traffic,” Snr Asst Comm Charamba said.

On Tuesday, 10 people were killed while four others were seriously injured when a Honda Fit collided head-on with a Toyota Noah along the Masvingo-Zvishavane Road.

The Honda Fit — with six passengers of board — reportedly exploded into a ball of fire on impact, burning occupants beyond recognition.

The driver of the Honda Fit had reportedly sped off at a police roadblock, which was mounted near Four Mile, about 4km outside Zvishavane.

A Bulawayo motorist allegedly beat up a police officer who blocked him as he attempted to flee after failing to produce a driver’s licence at a roadblock.

Collen Maponga (26), who was driving along Matopos Road, allegedly assaulted Tichaona Kamuzondi (27) stationed at Bulawayo Central Traffic.

Maponga pleaded not guilty when he appeared before magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa on Tuesday.

Parliament has also approved an increase in fines for various traffic offences from between $5 and $20 to a maximum $100.

The new fines become effective today.

Motorists who proceed against a red traffic light, overtake over a solid white line, drive without a licence, or operate faulty vehicle without a foot brake being fined US$100 for each of offence up from the current $20.

Encroaching white lines at traffic light stops and verbally abusing other road users now attract $20 fines from $10.