Nyore Madzianike-Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT is stepping up efforts to restore discipline on the roads after 1 979 people were killed and 8 061 injured in 48 150 road traffic accidents recorded in the first nine months of this year.
More than 94 percent of the crashes were attributed to human error.
The crackdown will involve tougher enforcement, legal and institutional reforms, improved road safety infrastructure and greater accountability among motorists, public transport operators, pedestrians and other road users.
Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi yesterday challenged the Zimbabwe Republic Police to intensify enforcement, close loopholes and bring offenders to book, warning that the country could no longer regard road accidents as an inevitable consequence of increased mobility.
Addressing the High-Level Road Safety Indaba in Harare, VP Mohadi said the scale of fatalities and injuries demanded urgent and coordinated intervention by all stakeholders.
“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that we were briefed that as of 30 September 2026, Zimbabwe already recorded 48 150 crashes, which have claimed 1 979 lives and left some 8 061 with various degrees of injury.
“We cannot accept a situation in which road traffic crashes are treated as an unavoidable consequence of mobility.
“Many of these crashes are preventable through responsible road use, effective enforcement, sound infrastructure, appropriate technology and strong institutions,” he said.
VP Mohadi said the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe needed to be strengthened and transformed into a more effective road safety agency, with the capacity to go beyond its current enforcement and public awareness roles.
He also directed the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to urgently prepare proposals for the institution’s transformation and submit them to Government for consideration.
The reforms would require appropriate policy, legal and institutional changes, as well as adequate funding and statutory powers to enable the agency to deliver on its mandate.
“We must be deliberate in ensuring that the transformed agency is adequately resourced and legally empowered to deliver the desired results, as anything short of this would be a disservice to our people.
“The ultimate measure of success will be the extent to which the proposed institution will be able to save lives, reduce injuries and restore confidence in our road safety ecosystem,” VP Mohadi said.
He urged Parliament to expedite consideration of the Road Accident Fund Bill, saying its enactment would strengthen support for victims of road traffic accidents and their families.
He said road safety interventions must also address hazards caused by livestock straying onto highways and the removal of roadside fences, which expose motorists to dangerous situations.
“I therefore urge farmers to take reasonable measures to prevent their animals from wandering onto public roads, while communities and local authorities must work together to address the circumstances that contribute to these hazards.
“Pulling down roadside fences must stop henceforth and perpetrators brought to book,” VP Mohadi said.
He raised concern over broken-down vehicles abandoned on public roads, saying they posed serious risks to other motorists.
VP Mohadi said Government would review the relevant legal framework, including Statutory Instrument 308 of 1974, to identify amendments and additional measures needed to address the problem.
The VP also warned against driving under the influence of alcohol and other impairing substances, saying such behaviour endangered drivers, passengers and other road users.
He called for stronger prevention measures, public education and effective enforcement, particularly targeting young people who use public roads under the influence of narcotics.
“Our message is and must always be clear: anyone who drives or cycles must exercise sound judgement, act responsibly and respect the lives of others,” VP Mohadi said.
He said motorists must observe speed limits, exercise courtesy and avoid driving when physically or mentally unfit, while pedestrians should use designated crossing points.
VP Mohadi also challenged public transport operators to put passenger safety ahead of profits and called for greater protection of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
“Above all, we need to develop a culture in which every road user understands that arriving safely is far more important than attempting to arrive quickly,” he said.
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, said the indaba was aimed at mobilising political commitment, sharing international best practices, identifying weaknesses and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
The engagements are expected to accelerate implementation of Zimbabwe’s national road safety plan, which targets a reduction in road traffic accidents and fatalities of at least 50 percent by 2030.
Running under the theme, “Towards safer roads through shared responsibility, effective enforcement and improved emergency response”, the indaba also coincided with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Minister Mhona said the commemorations provided an opportunity to remember millions of people killed or seriously injured on roads globally, while expressing solidarity with affected families and communities.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe also outlined strategies and developments under the Smart Road Safety Enforcement framework.
