Police have warned haulage truck drivers to avoid travelling at night on the Harare-Chirundu highway saying there are dangerous criminals who are on the prowl targeting trucks between 7 PM and 5 AM.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the criminals pounce on the trucks on a stretch from 160 km peg to 170 km peg along the highway. He said:
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges haulage truck drivers travelling along the Harare-Chirundu highway to be on the lookout for criminals targeting trucks travelling uphill at low speeds, especially between 1900 hours and 0500 hours.
Police inquiries have revealed that targeted places are Mapinga mountains, Mtala mountains and a stretch from 160 km peg to 170 km peg along Harare-Chirundu Highway.
The criminals are robbing drivers and passengers of personal belongings which include cash, cellphones and laptops, diesel and the load being carried by trucks.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police advises truck drivers to avoid moving during the night and where possible, move in convoys.
Truck drivers are warned against picking up passengers along the way as some of them have turned out to be robbers.
The Police urge motorists to quickly contact the Police when attacked on the following numbers, Mashonaland West Operations, (067) 212 129 047, National Complaints Desk, (242) 703631 or WhatsApp, 0712 800 197.
Very stupid police strategy and advise how can you say trucks should avoid travelling during the night. Travelling during the night has advantages for trucks as can safely drive without being overheated , during day the sun will be burning. Trucks are a major cause of road traffic accidents, hence night driving for trucks reduces these accidents as roads will be free at night. The stupid Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 Republic Police should immediately deploy armed police at Mapinga and all the other dangerous places on all national highways. Zrp should also deploy mobile police vehicles monitoring all highways at a distance of 50 km intervals. The stupid police is busy looting and robbing citizens also in corrupt deals country wide. ZRP police must be seen on all national highways to protect citizens not to rob or demand bribes from citizens. Zimbabwe Republic police is busy arresting and beating innocent citizens from the opposition political parties rather than making our roads safe. Paul Nyathi, G Matanga and Kazembe Kazembe wake up corruption does not build a nation but destroys generations.
You are wrong about the trucks – keep them off the roads from 6.00pm till 6.00am. The drivers can get some sleep, sober up, and no need to use their bright lights.