Cross-border freight interests watchdog, Transit Assistance Bureau (Transist), has assuaged transporter fears that a warning issued by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) could affect road hauliers operating in the country.
In a statement by the ZRP yesterday, members of the public were told that “with effect from today, police officers will be out in full force to ensure compliance with the curfew order put in place by the government on 2 January”.
It emphasised that the curfew was in place from six to six, dawn to dusk, and encouraged strict adherence to it.
“Movements, whether on foot or motorised, are not allowed during this period and anyone found walking or driving will be arrested, with vehicles being impounded.”
People violating the curfew on Sunday and Monday, the ZRP said, had resulted in traffic backing up from Harare south-east on the A5 towards Bulawayo.
The tense mood that reigned had resulted in motorists getting confrontational with police, the ZRP said.
It added that on Monday alone, 2 336 people had been arrested for breaking national lockdown regulations.
Fears that yesterday’s threat could include road freight operators in Zimbabwe have, however, been dispelled by Transist.
Providing clarity to one of its members, a Transist spokesperson said it did not affect trucks.
“It’s only for citizens of Zimbabwe.”
