admin
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has partnered with transport operators and various stakeholders to reduce road carnage during this festive season.
Senior officers in Harare, this Tuesday conducted awareness campaigns at Mbare Musika bus terminus
In an interview, the Officer Commanding Harare Province Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru said that they have deployed adequate police officers to ensure that law and order prevails.
“We are here at Mbare Musika where most buses depart to several destinations to conduct awareness campaigns,” he said.
“As you are aware this is a Christmas holiday and today is December 24, 2024 there are a lot of people travelling to their rural homes.
“So we saw it fit to come here as police to conduct such awareness campaigns to the drivers, the commuting public on issues that cause road traffic accidents on our roads.”
He said what they have noted is that most of the people who travel during the holiday abuse alcohol and other illicit substances and they urging them to desist from such activities.
Comm Chikunguru said drivers should avoid speeding, overloading and drinking while driving as this might cause fatal road accidents.
Passengers were also advised to report any bad driving or drivers driving under the influence of alcohol at any nearest police station, roadblock or a tollgate.
“Police officers have been deployed everywhere, at roadblocks and even tollgates and we are saying passengers have got the right to make a report,” Comm Chikunguru said.
Zimbabwe Passengers Transport Organisation chairman, Dr Samson Nhanhanga also said they had gathered not just as individuals, but as a united community, driven by a common purpose to ensure the safety of all who travel on the roads.
“Every day, countless lives are affected by road traffic incidents- families are torn apart, dreams are shattered, and futures are altered forever. In Zimbabwe, as in many parts of the world, road traffic injuries are among the leading causes of death, particularly among our youth. This is not merely a statistic; these are our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and friends,” he said.
“Each loss is a tragedy that reverberates through our communities. This campaign is not just the responsibility of a few; it is a collective effort that necessitates the involvement of every individual, community, organization, and government agency.
“Together, we can create a safer environment for all road users- pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and passengers alike. We must cultivate an ethos of responsibility and respect on our roads. Each one of us has a role to play.”
Dr Nhanhanga said whether it is driving within speed limits, obeying traffic signs, drivers should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or substances.
Online Reporter