Zikhale drives official vehicle without number plates

 Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma was yesterday seen using an official car without number plates contrary to legal requirements.

He was a guest of honour at Zimbabwe Independence Day Celebration in Lilongwe.

But in an interview, Zikhale Ng’oma justified his ‘act’, saying he had removed the number plate for security reasons.

Said the minister: “I am just being driven …but I think those responsible for the car have removed the number plates for security reasons. You know we are relocating refugees back to [Dzaleka] the camp…I may be a target. This is for security reasons.”

However, immediately after the interview, his officials put back the number plates both in front and at the back.

Governance commentator Charles Kajoloweka said it should not take personal convenience to follow the law.

“The law must be followed. It’s really sad that those in high authority are setting a wrong example. You cannot violate the law on account of security. We have seen quite a number of officials who enjoy driving cars without number plates. This amounts to abuse of power. We expect those responsible for enforcing the law to do so indiscriminately”

In June last year, the Ministry of Transport and Public Works condemned motorists who drive cars without registration plates.

In a statement, the ministry said it is an offence to use unregistered vehicles or without number plates on public roads.