ZRP Arrests 47 Truck Drivers For Violating Lockdown Restrictions
ZRP countrywide has arrested 47 truck drivers for carrying passengers in their trucks thereby violating COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, The Herald reports.
This was after Police National Traffic Unit was deployed to look into the matter which resulted in over 40 truck drivers arrested after they were found to be breaking the law.
The arrests were confirmed by ZRP National spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who said:
Since March 30 to date, a total of 47 truck drivers have been arrested. We are, however, warning haulage truck and private vehicle drivers who are ferrying people between cities, within cities, and even some border jumpers that it is a criminal offence.
Besides being a criminal offence, this act poses a risk to the Government’s efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Police checkpoints, roadblocks and patrols have been activated to account for such drivers. Haulage trucks should stick to their mandate of transporting cargo from one point to the other. Transport companies are implored to take action against errant drivers.
Meanwhile, GMAZ has also warned truck drivers who are bringing Maize from South Africa who are travelling with female companions and their wives that it is unaccepted behaviour:
The Government of Zimbabwe has communicated its concerns to us with regards the conduct of most of your truck drivers who tend to travel in pairs with the opposite gender outside the scope of their duties and also carry passengers for monetary benefit.
While the country critically requires maize imports to address national food security, the aforesaid conduct cannot be tolerated and condoned as it militates against the national effort in combating the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
More: The Herald
