Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
THE Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has called for enhanced road safety measures to support night-time travel, saying the economy requires efficient movement of people and goods beyond normal working hours.
The call comes as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) raised concern over an increase in fatal road traffic accidents occurring at night, particularly along the country’s highways.
In a statement, PAZ National Co-ordinator Mr Tafadzwa Goliati said Zimbabwe should strengthen safety measures to enable continued economic activity while protecting passengers and motorists.
“As the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe, we maintain that our economy should not go to sleep at night. His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa has always said ‘Zimbabwe is open for business,’ which means we should work 24 hours to uplift our economy,” he said.
Mr Goliati said the association believed that increased enforcement and safety interventions, including round-the-clock highway patrols, could help reduce road accidents.
“These accidents are avoidable if we put proper measures in place, such as 24-hour highway patrols,” he said.
PAZ also highlighted the dangers posed by stray livestock along major roads, calling for stronger measures to ensure farmers secure their animals.
The association said road safety efforts should also be supported by improved monitoring of vehicles operating on local and cross-border routes to ensure compliance with roadworthiness requirements.
Meanwhile, the ZRP said it had noted an increase in fatal road traffic accidents occurring during the night throughout the country, particularly on highways.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police cautions Zimbabweans on night driving due to observation and visibility challenges,” police said.
The police said the risk was worsened by animals such as cattle and donkeys crossing roads, while some farmers were contributing to accidents by driving livestock on roads or allowing animals to graze on road verges.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police totally discourages Zimbabweans from travelling or driving at night. Instead, families, football teams, individual drivers and institutions should plan journeys to curtail road carnage,” the police said.
Police said they would intensify engagements with traditional leaders, farmers and other stakeholders to ensure that animals do not interfere with traffic movement.
The law enforcement agency also urged farmers to secure cattle, donkeys and other animals to prevent road accidents.
The renewed focus on night-time travel follows growing concerns over road carnage, with authorities and stakeholders calling for greater compliance with traffic regulations, responsible road use and improved safety awareness among motorists.
PAZ said strengthening road safety measures would not only protect passengers but also support economic activity by ensuring reliable movement of people and goods across the country.
