Govt threatens stern punishment against reckless d...

Govt threatens stern punishment against reckless drivers

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Government has threatened stern measures, including suspension or cancellation of permits, against public transporters, whose drivers drive recklessly on the country’s roads in violation of traffic laws while also putting passengers at risk.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona issued the stern warning following a number of accidents involving Public Service Vehicles, which have claimed many people recently.

Mhona said this while expressing his disappointment with a video circulating on social media, which captures a near-accident involving a cross-border bus belonging to Mzansi Express, a haulage truck carrying highly flammable gasses and other motorists.

While punishment awaits the vehicles involved, the Minister said the nation could not afford to continue experiencing these incessant road accidents caused by recklessness and negligence by Public Service Vehicle drivers.

“This video clearly shows traffic law violations and actions that breach Sections 51, 52 and 53 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11] which prohibit driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for others, negligent or dangerous driving and reckless driving,” Mhona said.

He added that from December 15-26, 2023, 87 people died while 424 were injured in road traffic accidents.

Mhona said his ministry had since promulgated Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023, which prohibits operators of PSVs to work without speed limiting and monitoring devices on their vehicles.

“The nation cannot afford to continue experiencing these incessant road fatalities caused by recklessness and negligence by Public Service Vehicle drivers. Informed by the foregoing violations and verified videographic evidence, the Ministry will ensure that the driver of the cross-border bus is prosecuted. I have directed that the provisions of the law be implemented dutifully, consistently, and religiously with the view to tame this negligence and recklessness,” he added.

“My Ministry promulgated Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023 which made it mandatory for operators of PSVs to install speed limiting and monitoring devices. This will go a long way in regulating over-speeding by PSV drivers and protect commuters and other road users in line with targets contained in the National Development Strategy 1, which seeks to reduce road accidents and fatalities by a 25% margin per annum.

“Pursuant to this, I wish to reiterate and warn all Transport Operators, Associations, motorists, and members of the public that the Ministry will take stern measures provided by our laws against those who wantonly and blatantly violate road traffic rules and regulations. The safety and security of all road users cannot be taken for granted. We will not hesitate to suspend and cancel licences of drivers and operators who violate traffic rules and regulations. We urge all road traffic law enforcement agencies to be on high alert to enforce the road traffic laws and ensure that non-compliant drivers and vehicles do not ply our roads.”

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has indicated that 138 people died between December 15, 2023 and January 8, 2024 compared to 170 who perished during the same period the previous year.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that drivers should be cautious on the roads and not cross flooded rivers and bridges to curb drowning incidences.

“It is advised to report errant drivers on the roads at any nearest police station or call National Complaints Desk number 0242 703631 or on 0712 800 197.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will continue to enforce road rules and regulations without fear or favour,” national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said in a statement.

The police said it would release the final 2023-24 festive season accident statistics on January 16, 2024.