adminNational police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba today said police would set up roadblocks throughout the country and all unroadworthy vehicles would be impounded.
“As the ZRP…we will ensure peace and tranquillity prevails during the forthcoming Easter holiday. We are going to man roadblocks and all defective vehicles will be impounded.”
Ass Comm Charamba warned motorists against speeding, drinking and driving.
“Above all they should observe the stipulated road regulations,” said Asst Comm Charamba.
“Drivers are urged to be patient and consider the right of other road users when travelling on the road. Public service vehicle operators are urged not to carry excess passengers and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on a journey.”
The public, she said, should plan their journeys ahead and avoid boarding vehicles that are not legally permitted to carry passengers.
“The public is also advised to be alert on boarding public service vehicles and avoid boarding private vehicles as some have been attacked and robbed of their valuables by armed gangs. We encourage the public to be security conscious as they walk through maize fields, grassy and bushy areas. If possible, they should avoid these dangerous spots as some criminals are taking advantage to hide and then pounce on unsuspecting passersby,” she said.
Asst Comm Charamba said police patrols would be intensified in all major cities, farming areas and growth points.
“We are appealing to the public not to leave their homes unattended and if going away for a long period, to utilise our House-Under Supervision Scheme,” she said.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe called on stakeholders in the transport sector to adopt a progressive attitude that respects the sanctity of life if the country is to curb road accidents, which normally increase during holidays.
TSCZ chairman Mr Nelson Mawema said it was the duty of every Zimbabwean to preserve life, adding that there was a need for educational campaigns to change stakeholders’ attitudes especially drivers.
“There is a need for attitude adjustment on the part of drivers. Our drivers are not patient and the issue of defective vehicles is another major problem on the public service vehicles,” Mr Mawema said.
Zimbabwe National Commuter Omnibus Operators chairperson Aaron Tapfuma said bus owners should also monitor operations of their drivers to reduce road accidents.
“We encourage owners of kombis to monitor their drivers as they are alleged to be speeding and overloading,” he said.
Last year, 50 people were killed in road accidents that occurred over the Easter holidays.
During the Christmas festive period last year, 250 people died in road accidents.
Although human error has been cited as the major cause of these accidents, drivers have also attributed the accidents to the poor state of roads and a lack of adequate road signs.
Online Reporter