President orders crackdown on reckless drivers after 17 killed in highway horror

Wallace Ruzvidzo and Remember Deketeke, Zimpapers Reporters

THE Government has launched a nationwide crackdown on reckless driving in a bid to end the senseless loss of life caused by road negligence, President Mnangagwa has said.

This follows a horrific accident that claimed 17 lives and left three others injured along the Harare-Chitungwiza Road on Tuesday. Some of the victims were laid to rest yesterday, in yet another grim reminder of the carnage on the country’s highways and the tragic consequences of reckless driving.

Writing on his official X handle on Wednesday night, the President said such tragedies must be prevented at all costs.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the Manyame Bridge accident. Seventeen lives were lost in a tragedy that could have been prevented. I’ve declared it a National Disaster. Government will cover funeral costs and medical care, and a nationwide crackdown on reckless driving is now underway. This senseless loss of life must end,” the President said.

In his condolence message, he stressed that the crackdown must be enforced without fear or favour. The President said existing rules and regulations must now give way to new, more robust measures that deliver tangible results.

“The time has come to raise the stakes against guilty parties. The cost of bad behaviour on our roads must simply outweigh whatever bizarre benefits those responsible believe they gain from reckless driving.

“My directive is for all Government institutions involved in traffic enforcement, along with our courts, to align on this matter so that this seemingly endless, yet avoidable, bloody spiral on our roads is brought to an immediate end.

“We cannot continue to lose lives in such a horrendous manner due to sheer recklessness and persistent gaps in law enforcement. Once finalised, these new, strong measures must be applied and enforced across all institutions responsible for lawful and responsible road use — and they must be enforced without fear or favour,” the President said.

A father and daughter, Reignford and Shantel Jere, were buried at Zororo Memorial Park yesterday, while another victim, Prodgas Mugere, will be laid to rest today at his rural home in Chihota.

Following the President’s announcement of the crackdown, social media was abuzz with users welcoming the move.

“Thank you, our President, Sir. MTDSRIEP (May their dear souls rest in eternal peace) and Isaiah 53:5 for the injured,” wrote one X user.

Another posted:

“Thank you, Mr President. It was horrific — some families lost graduates who were their only hope . . .”
Creby Mutero expressed frustration over pirate taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, which have been wreaking havoc on the roads.
“

Very sad, President. Vapfanha vemishikashika varikukonzeresa (mushikashika operators are causing chaos on the country’s roads),” he wrote on X.

Speaking at a funeral service held at Doves Funeral Parlour in Chitungwiza, Local Government and Public Works Minister Dr Daniel Garwe said plans were underway to ban the illegal taxis.

“We are going to look into banning mushikashika because they have caused lots of accidents,” he said.