President disowns vehicle tint ban directive

As Zimbabweans react to a government ban on tinted vehicle windows with shock, confusion, and ridicule President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has distanced himself from the matter.

This after Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution, Tafadzwa Muguti issued the directive banning tinted windows on vehicles.

Muguti said tinted windows were being used to cover criminal acts such as human trafficking among others.

As widespread debate both online and offline ensued with many questioning the legality of the order, President Mnangagwa through his spokesperson George Charamba disowned the directive.

Charamba distanced the presidency from directive On Wednesday, 3 September 2025.

Charamba said in a statement:

“Kindly note: There is no basis in fact or law to the accompanying announcement attributed to Secretary Muguti.

“Kindly ignore this mis-communication from an unauthorised office and officer!”

Muguti had convened a press conference in Harare on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, where he ordered both private and public motorists to “immediately” remove tinted windows from their vehicles.

He argued that tinted cars were increasingly being used in crimes. However, he made exemptions for government vehicles, VIP transport, and cars manufactured with factory-installed tints.

The announcement created instant confusion. Current regulations, as outlined in Statutory Instrument 129 of 2015, do not ban tints altogether.

They only require that windows provide a “clear, undistorted vision” and ensure “a safe degree of visibility.”

Legal experts quickly pointed out that Muguti’s order had no legal foundation.

Prominent lawyer Obey Shava warned that the police risked acting unlawfully if they tried to enforce the measure.

“Police should be careful not to make costly decisions based on a statement which is not fully supported by the law,” Shava explained. “Tint is allowed on condition certain requirements are met.”