By Crime and Courts Reporter–The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a mass operation to impound unregistered vehicles amid fears of unrest ahead of a planned protest on Monday, 31 March.
This follows a series of arson attacks targeting vehicles at private properties and business premises in Harare and Goromonzi, escalating political tensions in the lead-up to the highly anticipated demonstration announced by exiled military veteran Blessed Geza.
Luxury vehicles linked to prominent allies of President Emmerson Mnangagwa—business moguls Wicknell Chivayo and Kuda Tagwirei—were torched late Thursday night at their respective business premises in the capital.
The attacks come just days after Geza, a former Zanu PF Central Committee member now in exile, vowed to take action against what he described as Mnangagwa’s “corruption frontmen.”
Geza, who has been outspoken about alleged corruption and state capture by Mnangagwa’s inner circle, specifically named Chivayo and Tagwirei as key targets in his call for resistance against the ruling elite. His movement has gained traction among disgruntled citizens, war veterans, and opposition activists who accuse Mnangagwa of consolidating power at the expense of economic stability and democratic freedoms.
The ZRP has issued a stern warning to motorists, stating that any vehicle operating without displayed number plates will be impounded in accordance with the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act (Chapter 13:14).
In a statement issued on Friday, 28 March, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said impounded vehicles would only be released after completing the necessary registration processes with the relevant authorities.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reminds the public that any vehicle moving on the country’s roads without displaying number plates, as required under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act (Chapter 13:14), will be impounded in line with the law.
Such vehicles will only be released after the necessary registration process has been conducted with the relevant authorities.
This applies to all vehicles—whether family-owned, public, company, government, or private-owned. Motorists and vehicle owners must comply to assist in maintaining law and order in the country.”
Nyathi further expressed concern over the increasing number of vehicles being sold without proper transfer of ownership, a loophole often exploited in criminal activities.
“Police investigations have revealed a disturbing trend where vehicles are sold multiple times—sometimes to five or seven different individuals—yet remain registered under the original owner’s name. Such irregularities only come to light when a vehicle is involved in an incident requiring police action,” he said.
Nyathi emphasized that law enforcement authorities would track down and hold accountable all individuals involved in transactions that violate registration laws.
In a separate statement on Friday, Nyathi confirmed that police had launched an investigation into the coordinated arson attacks that took place at multiple business premises in Avondale, Highlands, Newlands, and Goromonzi between midnight and 4 AM on 28 March 2025.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has received reports of petrol-instigated vehicle fires at business premises in Avondale, Highlands, Newlands, and Goromonzi on 28 March 2025. The suspects were seen driving into these locations, setting the vehicles ablaze, and then fleeing in getaway cars at high speed,” Nyathi said.
He assured the public that investigations were ongoing, with law enforcement prioritizing the identification and apprehension of the perpetrators.
The attacks and the looming 31 March protest come amid intensifying tensions between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Although Mnangagwa has steadily consolidated power since taking over from Robert Mugabe in 2017 through a military coup, divisions within the ruling Zanu PF party have deepened. Chiwenga, a former military commander instrumental in Mnangagwa’s rise, is reportedly growing frustrated with the president’s grip on state resources and patronage networks.
His allies within the security sector and war veterans’ circles have allegedly been sidelined, fueling factional infighting within the ruling establishment.
Geza’s call for mass demonstrations has added a new layer of complexity to this internal power struggle. While Mnangagwa’s administration has dismissed Geza as a political fugitive, his ability to mobilize resistance—particularly among disaffected ex-military personnel—has become a growing concern for the government.
The targeted attacks on Chivayo and Tagwirei, both viewed as Mnangagwa’s financial backers, signal an escalation in hostilities.
With just days left before the scheduled protest, security forces have reportedly been placed on high alert.
Increased surveillance, roadblocks, and crackdowns on opposition figures and activists suspected of aligning with Geza’s movement are expected in the coming days.