Freeman Razemba, Harare Bureau
ERRANT motorists had by yesterday started receiving notifications on their mobile phones for the 4,8 million road traffic violations that were captured on the artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled smart cameras in the central business district.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) also announced that an online platform for motorists to check on the status of their traffic violations and any outstanding deposit fines was now operational.
The notifications that are being sent include a video clip of the offence and fine to be paid.
However, those caught driving through a red traffic light were likely to appear in court rather than be fined.
The Smart Traffic Management System, which supports the new system, integrates intelligent surveillance cameras, automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) and central databases to automatically detect, fine and prosecute offenders.
This new smart platform links camera detection systems to a centralised database, enabling real-time monitoring, instant identification of offenders and efficient penalty processing.
The initiative is also part of Zimbabwe’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to integrate technology into critical sectors, including transport, law enforcement and urban management.
Zimbabwe has already stepped up efforts to fast-track its transition into a digitally driven economy, with a strong emphasis on harnessing AI as a catalyst for industrialisation and economic transformation.
In a statement yesterday, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police advises members of the public that the Smart Traffic Management System (STMS) is now fully functional and operational in selected Central Business Districts (CBDs) across the country. The system aims to promote responsible driving, ease traffic congestion, improve enforcement of road traffic laws and enhance safety for all road users.”
He added: “Above all, the system will ensure that law-abiding Zimbabweans are not inconvenienced while punishing errant driving conduct on the roads. In this regard, the Smart Traffic Management System utilises strategically deployed cameras in Central Business Districts to automatically detect road traffic violations. When a violation is detected, a notification is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle via mobile phone.”
The notification, he said, contains a link through which the details of the recorded traffic violation or offence can be accessed.
Comm Nyathi also advised the public that no agents had been contracted to collect fines on behalf of the ZRP, either physically or electronically.
“Motorists are urged to verify the status of their traffic violations and any outstanding deposit fines only through the following official designated online platforms: www.paymyfines.co.zw www.paymyfines.gov.zw,” Comm Nyathi said.
“Alternatively, motorists may visit the following police stations in Harare and surrounding areas for assistance and settling of outstanding deposit fines: ZRP Harare Central Traffic ZRP Warren Park Traffic, ZRP Avondale Traffic, Milton Park Police Station Marlborough Police Station, Malbereign Police Station ZRP Mbare Traffic and ZRP Chitungwiza Traffic.”
He urged all motorists to observe road traffic rules and regulations, exercise caution on the roads and comply with the law at all times.
“The police implores Zimbabweans to ensure that the ownership status of their vehicles is formally in order and reflect current vehicle owner’s details to avoid potential legal and financial liabilities, including being held accountable for traffic violations committed after a vehicle has changed hands,” Comm Nyathi said.
Authorities said the offences, detected by cameras installed at strategic intersections in the city, include running red traffic lights, going against the flow of traffic, picking up and dropping off passengers at undesignated places, speeding, using mobile phones while driving and travelling without fastened seatbelts.
The electronic traffic management system also includes the deployment of enforcement-powered vehicles and mobile control rooms fitted with cameras and monitoring equipment to detect traffic offences, identify stolen vehicles and enforce road traffic regulations without direct interaction between motorists and law enforcement officers.
President Mnangagwa is expected to commission the first phase of the project, which forms part of the Second Republic’s digital transformation agenda aimed at modernising policing, improving road safety and curbing corruption through technology-driven law enforcement.
Across the globe, digital policing is being credited for curbing traffic crimes through AI-powered cameras, automated e-ticketing and real-time data integration.
In Zimbabwe, these technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to curb road carnage and corruption, while fundamentally transforming public safety by enforcing compliance and tracing criminal activities across urban centres.
President Mnangagwa has continually challenged police to embrace digital technology and modernise law enforcement to curb modern crimes, with the Second Republic focusing on smart policing, integrated digital systems and biometric tracking to improve security and efficiency.
