Online Reporter
Patience Ndlovu, Chronicle Writer
BULAWAYO has recorded 837 road traffic accidents in the past three months, claiming 19 lives, including those of schoolchildren.
This is a slight drop from the 942 accidents reported during the same period last year.
This emerged during a road safety awareness campaign led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Bulawayo Province in collaboration with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) and other stakeholders yesterday.
The campaign, which also engaged public transport operators, comes ahead of the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day holidays, a period traditionally associated with high traffic volumes resulting in an increase in road traffic accidents.
Speaking at the event, Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province, Commissioner Jasper Chizemo, noted a significant rise in road accidents recorded in the city between May and July.
“We recorded 837 road traffic accidents between May and July compared to 942 recorded during the same period last year. A total of 19 people were killed while 183 people were injured,” he said. “In 2024, from May to July, 19 people were killed while 158 others were injured. Sadly, some of the victims in these road traffic accidents were school children.
Commisioner Chizemo urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
“This holiday period is associated with increased traffic as people travel to visit relatives or go on vacation. The school term also ends this week, which will see more children travelling. We are urging all road users to behave responsibly to prevent more loss of life,” he said.
Commisioner Chizemo cited human error, overloading and unroadworthy vehicles as key contributors to the accidents. In response, ZRP Bulawayo has intensified patrols and checks on highways, working alongside other stakeholders to enforce traffic laws.
Commisioner Chizemo said motorists should ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys, including checking tyres and servicing their vehicles. He also stressed adherence to speed limits, avoidance of drunk driving and the importance of taking breaks to avoid fatigue.
“Speed kills. Let us reduce speed, especially when children or animals are present. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol and avoid overtaking recklessly or disobeying traffic signals,” he warned.
Commisioner Chizemo said vehicles, particularly Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) would be under scrutiny.
“Drivers must meet all Road Motor Transportation requirements, including valid route authorities, defensive driving certificates and medical fitness endorsements. PSV operators should also instill discipline in their drivers and conductors. They should also avoid employing unlicensed rank marshals,” he said.
Police also cautioned against the growing trend of motorists removing number plates to evade identification. Commisioner Chizemo said vehicles without plates will be impounded as they are suspected of being used in serious crimes such as armed robbery and stock theft.
He urged travellers to use designated boarding points and to avoid illegal transport operators commonly known as mushikashika, which have been linked to robberies and sexual assaults.
“We urge passengers to refuse boarding vehicles driven by intoxicated drivers. Your safety begins with the choices you make. Pedestrians should follow road safety practices such as crossing at designated points, avoiding earphones while walking and wearing reflective clothing at night,” said Commisioner Chizemo.
“Parents are advised to ensure their children use footpaths and are accompanied when crossing roads.”
Comm Chizemo also issued strong warnings against crime during the holidays.
“Residents are urged to secure their homes when travelling, avoid carrying large sums of money and stay away from secluded areas, particularly at night,” he said.
Turning to social issues, Commisioner Chizemo expressed concern over drug and substance abuse among youths as well as the rise in Vuzu parties.
“Let us join hands and fight against the Vuzu parties where our children are abused sexually, psychologically and physically. Please report such practices to the police. The proliferation of shebeens will be legally resisted during these holidays and beyond,” he said.
Comm Chizemo warned against the illegal sale of alcohol from vehicles, saying only registered liquor outlets operating within the scope of their licenses will be permitted to trade.
“All those selling liquor from their vehicles are warned to desist as the long arm of the law will catch up with them.
All registered liquor outlets are advised to conduct business within the confines of their respective licences,” he said.
“Let this be a time to honour our heroes, not to mourn unnecessary loss of life. We call on every Zimbabwean to be responsible, vigilant and law-abiding. Together, we can ensure a safe and peaceful holiday for all.”
Comm Chizemo reaffirmed the police’s commitment to saving lives and protecting property, urging the public to report violations or suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
