Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
POLICE have launched an operation targeting 20 000 motorists in Harare and Bulawayo who are wanted for violating traffic light regulations following the implementation of the electronic traffic management system.
Authorities intend to release the names of these vehicles in batches.
Recently, police disclosed details of nearly 300 offenders, with 95 motorists having complied with the law since the list was published.
In Harare, police have begun naming individuals and companies linked to these infractions.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that specialised crack teams have been deployed to track down these errant motorists.
He expressed concern that only 95 motorists had voluntarily come forward to address their violations.
“It is disturbing that only 95 motorists came forward for the law to take its course. We have set up crack teams to track and follow up on the errant motorists throughout the country.
“The police will effect arrests and impound offending vehicles,” said Comm Nyathi.
The current focus in Bulawayo is on capturing vehicle registration numbers, with plans for an upgrade to enhance the system’s capabilities. Comm Nyathi emphasised that the electronic traffic management system has recorded a total of 20 000 vehicles openly flouting road regulations. The police will regularly release updates on these vehicles to the public.
Motorists or institutions with vehicles on the list are urged to report to the nearest police station and cooperate fully with ongoing investigations.
They can also reach out to the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp at 0712 800 197.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve road safety and compliance. Government has partnered with Vitronic Machine Vision Middle East, a Dubai-based company, to spearhead this project under a public-private partnership.
The initial investment of approximately US$80 million aims to use technology to effectively address various traffic-related challenges.
By holding offenders accountable, the police hope to ensure that no individual, regardless of their status or connections, escapes the consequences of breaking the law.
This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety and compliance in Zimbabwe at a time when fatal accidents are on the rise.
