Story by Fungai Jachi
A recent court ruling that saw a reckless commuter omnibus driver being sentenced to two-years in jail and banned for life, has set the tone for dealing with lawlessness on the country’s roads.
The traffic jungle in Harare’s Central Business District has brought nothing but distress to road users, with both drivers and pedestrians alive to the need for a review of road traffic legislation and harsh sentences that will deter would be offenders.
“The challenge is that most of these drivers know that they can easily get away with wrongdoing on the roads and so they end up driving anyhow. So if the fines or sentences handed to offenders are high, I think people would be afraid and do the right thing,” a Harare resident said.
“I think if they say no matter how small the offense is, five years is the minimum jail term so that drivers will be careful on the road,” another added.
“As drivers, it is important for us to observe rules and regulations because we endanger others on the road. The punishment should be painful and deterrent,” a driver noted.
Legal experts believe harsh penalties for traffic offences are a critical component to restore sanity on the roads.
“Having consistency in sentencing traffic offenders is critical because offenders will know that certain behaviours on the road are not tolerated. It will instil fear in others, hence achieving the goal. The legislature needs to review the fines because they are a bit low. Other jurisdictions like South Africa and Namibia have hefty fines and it helps them tame traffic mishaps,” Legal expert, Advocate Fungai Chimwamurombe noted.
“Having evidence-based legislation in place is important, but alone, it will not sufficiently deter illegal behaviours. Compliance with traffic laws can be achieved from the combined effects of legislation, increased public awareness, enforcement, and penalties,” another legal expert, Mr James Makiya added.
The case of 32-year-old commuter omnibus driver, Freedom Ruzvidzo, who was sentenced to an effective two-year jail term and had his driver’s license revoked after convicted of driving against oncoming traffic is expected to send a clear message to would-be offenders.
