The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned members of the public against a fraudulent website purporting to represent its Smart Traffic Management System, urging motorists and other users not to provide personal information or make payments through the platform.
In a statement yesterday, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the website, https://zrp.ess.co.zw/, was not affiliated with the ZRP and had not been authorised to provide any police service.
“For the record, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has no relationship, association or link with this site.
Therefore, the Zimbabwe Republic Police advises the public that the website is not an official Zimbabwe Republic Police website and is not authorised to represent the ZRP Smart Traffic Management System or any other Zimbabwe Republic Police service,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi warned members of the public against registering on the website or conducting any transactions through it, saying doing so could expose them to fraud and the loss of sensitive personal or financial information.
“Members of the public are advised not to register on or transact through the website.
Please do not provide any personal or financial information through the website, including national identification numbers, driver’s licence details, vehicle registration numbers, telephone numbers, banking details, PINs or One-Time Passwords (OTPs),” he added
He further urged motorists and other members of the public not to make payments through the website or any links associated with it.
“The public should not make any payments through the website or through any links associated with it,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
He said the ZRP had since engaged the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and relevant Government departments as investigations continued into the origins and operation of the website.
“Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has formally engaged the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and relevant arms of Government as comprehensive investigations are underway to identify the person(s) or entity responsible for the website and to establish the circumstances surrounding its operation,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi also warned users against downloading anything from the website, including files, applications or other content.
“Above all do not download files, applications or other content from the website,” he said.
He urged the public to verify information relating to police services through official ZRP communication channels and to remain vigilant when receiving links or advertisements purporting to offer police services.
“Treat as suspicious any message, link, advertisement or social media post directed to the public through this link,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
The warning comes as authorities continue strengthening public awareness around online fraud and the misuse of digital platforms to impersonate legitimate institutions and obtain sensitive information from unsuspecting members of the public.
