Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to take decisive action in addressing the escalating traffic chaos on the country’s roads, urging the force to restore order and ensure road safety.
The President made the remarks during the pass-out parade of graduating police officers at the ZRP Mkushi Academy in Harare this Thursday, where he served as the Reviewing Officer.
President Mnangagwa highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, noting the alarming rise in road accidents that have claimed numerous lives and left many others injured.
The accidents, which have predominantly occurred on the country’s major highways, have been attributed to reckless human behaviour, with pirate taxis contributing significantly to the disruption in major urban centres.
In his address, the President emphasised that the high rate of indiscipline on the roads demands swift and effective measures. He called for the immediate implementation of an electronic traffic management system to better regulate and monitor road usage, thereby ensuring greater safety for all road users.
“The high rate of indiscipline on our roads, which has resulted in the loss of countless lives due to road carnage, is disturbing. More worrisome is the fact that a total of 4069 people were killed in road traffic accidents in 2024 compared to 2104 in 2023, reflecting an astonishing 93 percent increase. The ZRP is challenged to tame the traffic jungle by speedily implementing the Electronic Traffic Management System. I call upon Zimbabwean citizens to respect the country’s traffic laws and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies,” he said.
The Head of State emphasised the need to shun all forms of corruption and uphold discipline.
“Discipline is a key cog to a security organisation such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police, serving as a compass that guides sound actions. As officers in the field, you will encounter all forms and types of temptations that will test your character, judgment, resolve and indeed your patriotism. Remain resolute and demonstrate high levels of integrity. Shun corruption by whatever name. The image of the country and indeed of Zimbabwe Republic Police rests upon your shoulders. Guard it jealously.
“The challenge of drug and substance abuse threatens to tear apart the fabric of our society and is further fuelling the surge of violent crimes, undermining the security of the nation. The ZRP, working in close liaison with other stakeholders, must redouble their efforts to expunge the supply and demand side of drug cartels,” said the President.
In modern policing, availability of adequate resources and equipment is critical for the ZRP to fulfil its mandate diligently.
“Government is fully aware that adequate human capital and material resources are a prerequisite for the ZRP to fulfil their constitutional mandate. Mindful of this, my administration will ensure that the force is well equipped with tools of the trade. The recent purchase and handover of 500 vehicles for the Police Operations is a clear testimony of my government’s commitment. It is my sincere hope that the vehicles distributed across the country have enhanced the operational capacity of the ZRP.
“Modern ICT hardware and software are now of critical importance to an effective force. Therefore, the government is committed to prioritising the deployment of ICT-enabled systems to address challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-changing environment,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Reviewing Officer went on to plant a quine tree, better known in vernacular as Mukashu or umhlambamanzi in the company of Vice President Kembo Mohadi and cabinet ministers.
President Mnangagwa also signed off the visitors’ book.
