Government Bans Tinted Car Windows in Nationwide Crime Crackdown

The Zimbabwean government has issued an immediate ban on tinted windows in both private and public vehicles, citing their use in concealing criminal activities and drug abuse.

Speaking at a press briefing in Harare, Tafadzwa Muguti, the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, announced that the directive would be enforced across all provinces, with a clear warning to motorists.

“Anyone with tinted windows that prevent law enforcement from seeing inside the vehicle must remove them immediately. Failure to comply will result in police forcibly removing the tint or impounding the vehicle,” said Muguti.

The ban allows limited exemptions for:

Government VIP vehicles

Official security service vehicles

Cars fitted with factory-standard tinted glass

All other vehicles must comply with the new regulation without exception.

According to Muguti, the policy stems from a surge in serious crimes involving vehicles with darkened windows — including armed robberies and the rape of a schoolgirl inside a commuter minibus.

He highlighted the role of mushikashika operators — unregulated transporters — as particularly problematic, noting that some have used tinted windows to shield illegal activities from public view.

“Tinted windows offer cover for those committing crimes. This is a matter of public safety, not convenience,” he added.

The crackdown is part of a broader national strategy to combat crime and drug addiction, especially among youth.

Muguti revealed that rehabilitation centres will now only accept youths who are voluntarily brought in by parents or guardians, and must undergo a mandatory seven-month separation from their home environments to avoid relapse triggers.

“Once admitted, the youth will not have contact with family during the rehabilitation period. This is necessary to break the cycle of addiction,” he explained.

To support the campaign, toll-free hotlines will be launched in every province, allowing citizens to anonymously report drug-related crimes.

Muguti also emphasized the importance of clear communication, instructing that only Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs are authorized to address the media on government policy matters.

“Some politicians have been issuing statements for self-promotion, which leads to confusion,” he noted.