Online Reporter
LAST week, Harare motorists were sharing a social media warning on the installation of cameras at certain intersections on roads in the central business district.
Based on the ensuing discussions, the motorists were more concerned about avoiding being caught violating traffic laws only at specific points where the cameras have been installed.
The messages sounded like the motorists are willing to violate traffic rules as long as there are no cameras.
They seemed to regret the installation of the cameras.
As such, the installation of cameras on major roads in Harare’s CBD is more than a technological upgrade — it is a long‑overdue investment in public safety, accountability, and urban order. At a time when the capital continues to grapple with chaotic traffic, reckless driving, and rising crime, these cameras represent a practical tool that can transform how the city manages its roads and protects its residents.
Their importance cannot be overstated, because they directly address the daily frustrations and dangers faced by motorists, pedestrians, and public transport users.
The most immediate benefit is enhanced road safety. Harare’s CBD has become notorious for dangerous driving habits: speeding kombis weaving through traffic, illegal U‑turns, motorists ignoring traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings treated as optional. Cameras introduce a silent but powerful deterrent.
When drivers know that violations are being recorded in real time, behaviour changes.
Evidence from cities across the world shows that surveillance cameras reduce speeding and red‑light violations by significant margins. Harare stands to gain the same. A disciplined traffic environment means fewer accidents, fewer injuries, and fewer fatalities.
Closely linked to safety is accountability. For years, enforcement of traffic laws in Harare has been inconsistent, often relying on physical presence of officers who cannot be everywhere at once. Cameras eliminate this gap.
They provide indisputable evidence of wrongdoing, making it easier to issue fines, prosecute offenders, and discourage repeat violations. This also reduces opportunities for corruption, because enforcement becomes automated and evidence‑based.
A motorist cannot negotiate with a camera. In a city where trust in institutions has been eroded by perceptions of selective enforcement, this shift toward transparency is essential.
The cameras also offer a major boost to crime prevention and detection. Harare’s CBD has seen rising incidents of smash‑and‑grab robberies, vehicle break‑ins, and opportunistic theft. Criminals thrive in environments where they can disappear into crowds or slip through traffic unnoticed.
Surveillance cameras disrupt that comfort. They allow authorities to track suspicious movements, identify perpetrators, and respond quickly to incidents. Even after a crime has occurred, recorded footage becomes invaluable in investigations.
For ordinary citizens, this translates into a safer environment where walking to work, parking a car, or waiting for public transport does not feel like a gamble. Another important benefit is improved traffic management. Harare’s congestion problems are well known, especially during peak hours. Cameras provide real‑time data on traffic flow, allowing authorities to adjust signals, deploy officers strategically, and respond to bottlenecks more efficiently.
Over time, this data can inform long‑term planning — identifying problematic intersections, understanding traffic patterns, and guiding infrastructure upgrades. A modern city cannot rely on guesswork; it needs data, and cameras are a reliable source of it.
