Story by Providence Maraneli and Silibaziso Dlodlo
TRAFFIC authorities in Matabeleland South have intensified their road safety campaign ahead of the Easter holidays, with police and stakeholders urging motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to curb accidents.
The initiative, led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, is targeting reckless driving, drink-driving, and other dangerous behaviours commonly associated with peak travel periods.
Travellers along the Beitbridge–Bulawayo Highway have welcomed the campaign, saying it is enhancing their sense of safety.
“We are so happy to know that we also have rights as passengers,” a passenger said.
“Sometimes we lose our relatives to accidents due to negligence, but with this, we feel safe,” a traveller said.
“We are happy that we are coming home for the Easter holiday and we are being protected by the police,” another passenger said.
Officer Commanding Matabeleland South Province, Commissioner Elizabeth Phiri, urged both drivers and passengers to take responsibility for road safety.
“We keep on losing lives to accidents because sometimes we allow drivers to be reckless, sometimes they drink and drive, and sometimes you passengers will be urging them to speed. We, as the police, with other stakeholders, here we are saying we should speak with one voice against reckless driving, and we should report any form of negligence,” she said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has also intensified its crackdown on vehicles operating without number plates as part of broader enforcement measures.
Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, the campaign began at Old Renkini Bus Terminus before moving to Mashonaland West-bound highway routes, where police engaged motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.
Assistant Commissioner Crime Management for Bulawayo Province, Gumpo Tambudzai Bibian, said authorities are focusing on behavioural change among road users.
“We are out today as police officers raising awareness among motorists, passengers, and pedestrians to ensure safety on our roads. We have observed that during holidays, drivers tend to get excited, and some end up drinking and driving, putting the lives of passengers and other road users at serious risk. We are discouraging drivers from drinking and driving and urging them to respect speed limits on our roads. Drivers must also take note that fatigue is real, forcing oneself to continue driving while tired puts the lives of all travellers at risk. To passengers travelling during the Easter holidays, we encourage you to speak out when you notice a driver speeding. Life has no second chances. Speed may be exciting, but it kills. Let us all prioritise safety and ensure we are transported responsibly,” he said.
Authorities say road safety remains a shared responsibility, with all road users urged to play their part in saving lives during the holiday period.
