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Crime Reporter

Police have warned drivers and owners of unregistered vehicles that such cars will be impounded if they are found on the country’s roads.
It is understood that some of the unregistered vehicles are being used as getaway cars by armed robbers, while others are being used as pirate taxis, with the drivers wantonly violating road rules and regulations.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development.

“It is in the interest of motorists and road safety for all vehicles moving on the country’s roads to be fitted with permanent registration plates,” he said.

“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.

“Unregistered and unlicensed vehicles should not be driven on the roads. Such 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.”

Commissioner Nyathi said the police have intensified enforcement of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act.

“Any vehicle moving on the roads with no registration plates will be impounded. It will only be released once number plates are in place,” he said.

“This includes vehicles that have been imported and are moving with temporary plates. The Central Vehicle Registry has assured the police that they have adequate stock of number plates, therefore there is no excuse for motorists not to register vehicles as stipulated by the law.”