adminMpumelelo Nyoni Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have increased the number of roadblocks on all the country’s major highways over the Independence and Easter holidays in a bid to curb road accidents.
National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba urged motorists to comply with police officers when stopped at roadblocks.
She said the holiday started on a sad note as four people died on Tuesday when a Ford Transit collided with a Toyota Corolla along the Harare-Bindura Road.
“The ZRP has noted with concern that most accidents are being caused by reckless drivers of either public service or private vehicles. This recklessness must stop.
“As police we want to make it clear that the roadblocks are not targeting public service vehicles as alleged in some circles. The roadblocks also assist in targeting stolen vehicles, criminals, cattle rustlers, drug trafficking and other valuable items from the country,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
She also blamed speeding, misjudgment, overloading and defective vehicles for the increase in the number of accidents.
“The ZRP has set up anti-corruption teams and police commanders to supervise members deployed at the roadblocks in order to stamp out corruption. Anyone caught on the wrong side of the law will face the full wrath of the law,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
She warned unscrupulous transport operators against charging exorbitant fares and encouraged passengers to report any misconduct to police officers at roadblocks.
She implored owners of commuter omnibuses to employ drivers who are of the stipulated age and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, adding that drivers must have all the requisite documents to drive public service vehicles.
Online Reporter