Zimbabwe Police Warn Vehicle Owners They Could Be Liable For Offences If Ownership Is Not Transferred

Zimbabweans have taken to social media to discuss vehicle ownership transfers after national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned that failing to change ownership after selling a vehicle is a serious offence.

Nyathi said the original owner could be held liable for offences committed by other people using a vehicle if the ownership records had not been updated following a sale.

His warning has sparked discussion online, drawing attention to the potential consequences for people who sell their vehicles but leave them registered in their names.

Also Read: How To Change Vehicle Ownership In Zimbabwe: Ministry Explains Requirements

Police Warn Of Consequences For Previous Owners

The warning highlights the importance of completing the vehicle ownership transfer process after a sale to ensure that official records reflect the new owner.

According to Nyathi, the failure to update ownership details can leave the previous owner exposed to liability when the vehicle is involved in offences committed by someone else.

The development serves as a reminder to both buyers and sellers to ensure that the necessary documentation is completed rather than relying solely on a verbal agreement or the exchange of money.

Zimbabweans Call For Cheaper, Faster Vehicle Ownership Transfers

Some Zimbabweans have called on authorities to make vehicle ownership transfers faster and more affordable, arguing that high costs and lengthy processing times are discouraging compliance. Several people claimed that the process can take up to three months, suggesting that temporary arrangements should be introduced while buyers wait for the paperwork to be completed.

Other netizens questioned the fairness of holding previous owners responsible for offences they did not commit, while some argued that the cost of changing ownership was prohibitively expensive. They urged authorities to simplify the procedures, reduce fees and address delays, saying these changes would encourage more motorists to update their vehicle ownership records.

Here are some of the comments;

@KingSam Chidamoyo;

Mr Commissioner it takes 3months to do that sort out the system 1st to provide 2weeks also lower prices for change of ownership to encourage the public to do so

@Douglas Maringe;

From what I heard it’s taking 3 months to do change of ownership so why not make a temporary solution in the meantime for those doing the processes

@Obey Goodzi;

Is it lawful to hold someone accountable for an offence he didn’t commit?

@Emmanuel Ndlovu;

It’s even cheaper to be caught liable of the offenses than to change ownership….it’s practically a cost to buy another car just to change car ownership in zim

@Ronnie Madzvamuse;

Then make the process easy and affordable !

@Ngoni Leeroy;

It’s not like people we do not want, the process is expensive

@Jayms Rusky;

Change of ownership is a nightmare. Chero uchida unozongofamba nayo yakadaro nekuti haaa

@Jabulani Nyamasvisva;

Tochinja sei when it takes 3moths and also kudhura. Dzikisai zvinhu and see kuti who will not comply