Police have announced that vehicles impounded for various traffic violations will only be released to their registered owners according to the official vehicle registry.
This directive follows growing concerns over the failure by many motorists to update their vehicle ownership records.
Speaking during a traffic safety campaign held at Mbare Musika over the weekend, Officer Commanding Harare Province Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru urged drivers to update their vehicle ownership whenever it changes.
“Police have noted with concern the issue surrounding the lack of proper vehicle ownership transfers during our operations,” said Commissioner Chikunguru.
“A significant number of vehicles are being driven by third, fourth, or even fifth owners due to failure to change the vehicle’s registration. This has created difficulties in tracking traffic violations and holding the right individuals accountable.”
Chikunguru said moving forward, any vehicle that is impounded will not be released until the rightful owner, as per the official records, is confirmed. The announcement aims to reduce complications, especially in cases where vehicles are resold but ownership is not properly updated.
Police have previously said failure to change ownership has complicated some criminal investigations.
Motorists complain that the process of changing ownership is too cumbersome and unnecessarily expensive.
The ministry of transport and jnfrastructural development, through the Central Vehicle registry charges $15 for change ownership where the vehicle retains its number plates and $515 where the new owner elects to change number plates.
Buyers are also expected to obtain clearance from the police Vehicle Theft Squad, present an original vehicle registration book and updated insurance cover.
Some public transport operators have been struggling to reclaim their impounded vehicles from the Chikurubi Support Unit yard in Harare mainly due to incomplete or outdated paperwork. Many were found to have failed to change vehicle ownership after purchasing their vehicles, with the intention of reselling them.
The police message is clear: motorists must ensure that ownership is properly updated whenever a vehicle changes hands. This measure not only aids law enforcement but also prevents unnecessary delays in retrieving impounded vehicles.
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