Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators and transporters against overloading vehicles and carrying luggage, goods and passengers beyond the stipulated capacity, saying the practice endangers lives and contributes to road traffic accidents across the country.
In a statement, police said operators who violate road regulations will face arrest and prosecution as authorities intensify efforts to restore sanity on the roads.
“Mapurisa haabvumidze zvakadaro. You will be arrested,” the ZRP said.
Police confirmed the arrest of a kombi driver, Michael Kutukwa Carrington (27), who operates along the Harare–Mutoko route. He was arrested for insecure loading, overloading and carrying excess passengers.
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The suspect also faces charges of operating a PSV without a valid Certificate of Fitness, driving a public service vehicle without the mandatory five years’ driving experience, reckless driving and failing to possess a defensive driving certificate as required by law.
The arrest comes amid growing concern over reckless driving by commuter omnibus operators, who are frequently accused of speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading and disregarding traffic regulations.
According to road safety campaigners, overloading significantly affects vehicle stability, braking distance and steering control, increasing the likelihood of fatal accidents. The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has repeatedly warned that overloaded vehicles pose a major safety hazard and contribute to unnecessary loss of life on the country’s roads.
Passenger associations have also raised alarm over what they describe as a “culture of impunity” within the public transport sector, where some operators allegedly continue to use unlicensed drivers and unroadworthy vehicles despite recurring accidents.
Kombis remain the dominant mode of public transport in Zimbabwe, particularly in urban areas and on routes linking Harare with surrounding towns such as Mutoko, Chitungwiza and Norton. However, the sector has long been plagued by complaints of reckless driving and poor compliance with safety regulations.
Police statistics and road safety reports show that human error, speeding and overloading remain among the leading causes of road accidents in Zimbabwe. Authorities have since intensified roadblocks and compliance checks targeting commuter omnibuses and other PSV operators.
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