HARARE – Police officers have been warned to stop the practice of throwing spikes in front of moving vehicles and damaging windscreens while attempting traffic stops.
The practice by some law enforcement agents has saddled the Zimbabwe Republic Police with “avoidable litigation,” according to an internal police memo seen by ZimLive.
In the memo dated April 16, the officer commanding Mbare district said he was reminding all officers in charge of an earlier directive by the ZRP’s Chief Staff Officer about the “continuous use of spikes and smashing of motor vehicle windscreens by members.”
The Mbare police chief said the police headquarters had “noted with concern” the continued practice “in violation of the laws of the country.”
“Despite several memoranda sent to districts to desist from such practice, it was observed that members are continuously using spikes with some going to the extent of smashing windscreens of motor vehicles in order to effect arrests,” the memo said.
“It should be noted that such practice is unlawful, unacceptable and not condoned by the organisation. This conduct exposes the organisation to avoidable litigations from affected members of the public.”
Police officers were warned that “disciplinary action will be considered against any members who engage in such unlawful conduct.”
The ZRP has lost several damages claims in court after police officers deployed spikes to stop vehicles, sometimes leading to fatal accidents.
It is also a common practice among some police officers to use their baton sticks to smash the windscreens of vehicles when drivers fail to comply.
