Police Backtrack On Company & School-owned Buses Ban
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said company and school-owned buses are allowed passage at police roadblocks as long as they have the requisite documents, proof of ownership and all relevant registration processes.
This comes after Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube last week Thursday said all private buses not contracted to the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO), even staff and school buses, are barred from the road.
Inspector Ncube made the remarks at a press conference at Ross Camp after scores of pupils were left stranded at roadsides as police impounded vehicles that were pirating in defiance of COVID-19 regulations in the city.
But in a statement this Tuesday, National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi invalidated the remarks that were made by Inspector Ncube. The statement by Assistant Commissioner Nyathi says:
The Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to set the record straight on the use of company and school-owned buses to carry staff and pupils throughout the country.
This clarity will also assist to correct the statement being attributed to ZRP Bulawayo Provincial Spokesperson which recently went viral on social media.
In enforcing the Government’s COVID-19 regulations on transporters, the Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure that company and school-owned buses which have the requisite documents, proof of ownership and all relevant registration processes are allowed passage at roadblocks and checkpoints.
The police will only impound public service vehicles such as kombis or buses which are carrying passengers whilst they are not registered under the ZUPCO franchise. Police officers are fully aware of this position.
Private taxis and mushikashika vehicles will be impounded by the Police and there is no going back on this stance for public safety.
Companies and schools which intend to hire kombis or buses which are not under the ZUPCO franchise to transport workers should first seek clearance from the relevant Ministry and ZUPCO. This will assist law enforcement officers in the maintenance of law and order on the roads.
Meanwhile, the Police reports that since January 2021 to date a total of 167 062 people have been arrested for not wearing face masks. We urge the public to promote health safety and compliance with the Government’s COVID-19 regulations.
(NYATHI. P) Assistant Commissioner
Senior Staff Officer [Press, Public and International Relations]
To the Commissioner-General of Police
Police General Headquarters
