Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga has with immediate effect banned the use of spikes by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) after allegations that the stingers are causing fatal road accidents.
Police have been using handheld spikes to stop motorists at checkpoints.
Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said; “Any police officer who will defy this directive will be arrested and face both criminal and stern disciplinary action.”
“No police officer will be allowed to move around whilst openly holding or carrying spikes under the guise of traffic enforcements.”
The ban on spikes comes after allegations that police officers were responsible for an accident which left four dead in Mutare after trying to stop a commuter omnibus using a handheld spike on Wednesday last week.
The incident also left 10 other passengers who were travelling along the Vumba Road plying the Mutare-Chigodora in a Toyota Hiace injured.
ZRP on social media said investigations into the Mutare incident were still under investigation.
“The vehicle had a left tyre burst after the roadblock and it overturned before landing on a dura wall at CMED Mutare Depot this morning at 0700 hours,” the police said.
The Assistant Superintendent said ZRP commanders have been directed to ensure that police officers comply with the directive to stop using spikes.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will only stick to the use of standard and approved spikes as the norm where these are strategically used at conventional roadblocks and checkpoints,” Nyathi said.
