admin
Arron Nyamayaro
AS the festive season draws closer, police have reminded the country of the dangers, which lie on the roads, with a throwback of chilling statistics which show that 43 people were killed, and 310 injured, during the same period last year.
The deaths and injuries were recorded during the period between December 15 2022 and January 15 this year.
The grim statistics were revealed during a preparatory meeting for the police festive season campaign, which was attended by transport operators and other stakeholders, in Harare on Wednesday.
Officer Commanding Operations in Harare province, Assistant Commissioner Taonei Nyazema, said the festive season was a time for joy and celebrations but it was also one in which the shadow of death will be ready to strike.
He revealed that the innovative speed tracking system has, since its launch, resulted in the arrest of 844 drivers for speeding.
He thanked the Zimbabwe Public Transport Organisation for their support.
Transport operators recently started fitting buses with speed tracking and limiting devices.
A monitoring centre has been set up at Harare Central Police Station
“From January to October 2023, Harare Province alone recorded a total of 25 409 accidents, compared to 24 010 accidents during the same period last year,” said Ass Comm Nyazema.
“This represents a 9.4 percent increase.”
A total of 3 300 people were injured, during the same period, compared to 3 025 last year.
He said they have also observed a significant reduction in accidents involving buses as a result of the enforcement of speed limits.
“Our duty is to enforce traffic regulations, hold accountable those who violate them, and ensure the safety of all road users.
“With the support of everyone gathered here, the objective of ensuring a bloodless festive season is within reach.
“However, it saddens me that there are still hosts of operators who are yet to join the programme.
“Some operators are even disabling the speed tracking devices, which undermines the purpose of our gathering.
“This behaviour is deeply troubling, and we must address it collectively,” Ass Comm Nyazema said.
ZPTO chairman, Sam Nhanhanga, said:
“We have realised compliance is being eroded day-by-day due to lack of communication among bus operators, bus crews and the law interpreters.
“Road carnage has become an enormous killer in this country because of accidents.
“According to the UN and reliable sources, Zimbabwean accidents cost 4 percent of our GDP.
“At the same time experts have predicted a 4 percent growth of GDP, meaning we are going nowhere. “
Online Reporter