Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a stern warning to members of the public against taking photographs or videos of road traffic accident victims, urging citizens to prioritise saving lives instead of chasing social media content.
The warning comes in the wake of a tragic accident involving the Mujuru family in Masvingo, in which six family members lost their lives, a case that has sparked widespread debate following the circulation of disturbing images and videos online.
In a statement, police said members of the public must act responsibly at accident scenes by rendering assistance to victims.
“The ZRP urges Zimbabweans to prioritise rendering assistance to victims of road traffic accidents, such as promptly notifying emergency services and offering first aid where possible, rather than capturing photographs or videos of horrific accident scenes and sharing them on social media,” said the police.
Authorities expressed concern over the growing trend of people rushing to record accident scenes, often at the expense of providing potentially life-saving help.
Police warned that the law would take its course against individuals found taking or distributing such material.
“The law will take its course on anyone who will be found taking photographs or videos of accident scenes,” the statement added.
The recent Masvingo tragedy involving the Mujuru family, which claimed six lives, has been cited as a case in point, highlighting the need for responsible behaviour by the public during emergencies.
Police reiterated that timely intervention by bystanders can make a critical difference in saving lives, while also preserving the dignity of victims and their families.
The ZRP appealed to Zimbabweans to uphold ubuntu and respect for human life, especially during tragic incidents.
