Govt to introduce road cameras, breathalysers as i...

Govt to introduce road cameras, breathalysers as it seeks to curb corruption, accidents

**Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe**

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe has confirmed that government plans to roll out road cameras and breathalysers in a bid to curb rampant corruption among police manning traffic blocks amid a worrying surge in fatal road traffic accidents.

This emerged at the post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday.

The development came as Minister Kazembe Kazembe said authorities were still investigating the Beatrice kombi accident that claimed 15 lives, among them children.

Preliminary investigations have reportedly revealed that the driver did not have a licence.

Minister Kazembe noted with concern that there is need to roll out cameras on the roads to prevent corruption by police officers manning traffic blocks, to ensure that unfit cars do not pass through the blocks, while any officer who allows such vehicles to pass and in turn it is involved in an accident, would then be held responsible.

He added that police officers are going to be well equipped so that they carry out their mandates efficiently, with plans to give them breathalysers.

“We should not allow cars that are not fit for the road to pass through roadblocks neither should drivers who are not fit for purpose to pass through a roadblock. If a vehicle that has passed through a roadblock you are manning is involved in an accident and investigations reveal that the vehicle was not supposed to pass through that roadblock then you will be accountable.

“We are also working to ensure that we equip our police officers to be able to carry out their mandate to account for those driving under the influence of alcohol, drug and substances,” he said.

Meanwhile, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona gave an update of the Beatrice accident, saying that government declared the fatalities a national disaster and victims will receive State assistance.

He also noted that government has decided to upgrade Chivhu hospitals to cater for accident victims that have increased in the area.

“The nation is informed that a serious road accident occurred at the 52km peg along the Harare-Masvingo highway on Friday, 26 April, 2024, resulting in the death of 15 people and a number of serious injuries. The injured people were admitted at Chivhu and Chitungwiza hospitals. Government immediately declared the accident a National Disaster and assisted the bereaved families. Government will also meet the medical bills of the injured persons.

“Cabinet noted that a number of accidents are taking place between Harare and Chivhu, and has decided to upgrade the Chivhu Hospital. Cabinet has appealed to all drivers to be careful on the roads in order to avoid these accidents,” said Minister Mhona.