By 
Zimbabwe’s road traffic accidents have reached alarming levels, with a record 4,069 fatalities reported in 2024. The shocking rise in deaths highlights the urgent need for the authorities and citizens alike to take swift action to reduce road carnage and save lives. One of the deadliest incidents occurred on February 13 2025, when 25 people were killed after a bus collided with a haulage truck near Luthumba Tollgate, located 25km from Beitbridge Town. Seventeen people died instantly at the scene, while eight others succumbed to their injuries at Beitbridge District Hospital.
In response to the growing crisis, President Mnangagwa has urged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to expedite the implementation of the Electronic Traffic Management System. Addressing police officers and guests during a graduation ceremony for new recruits at Mkushi Academy in Harare, President Mnangagwa emphasized the need to tame the “traffic jungle” and clamp down on reckless driving, especially by unregulated public transport operators. “The high rate of indiscipline on our roads, which has resulted in the loss of countless lives due to road carnage, is disturbing,” the President said. “I call upon all Zimbabwean citizens to respect the country’s traffic laws and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies.”
Statistics reveal that human error remains the leading cause of road accidents, responsible for 80 percent of all fatalities. This suggests that many of these deaths could be avoided if drivers adhere to traffic laws and practice caution. The government has already taken action against bus companies by suspending their operating licenses after their drivers were found racing and blocking each other, leading to fatal accidents. Despite these efforts, reckless behavior continues to plague Zimbabwe’s roads.
By Ruvarashe Gora
“We must all work together to curb road carnage,” said President Mnangagwa. “The ZRP must move swiftly to implement the Electronic Traffic Management System, and public transport operators must be held accountable for reckless driving.”
There is growing consensus among experts that more drastic measures are required to prevent further tragedies. Some have suggested that bus companies introduce tracking systems to monitor driver behavior and ensure compliance with traffic regulations. These systems would provide real-time data on speed, driving patterns, and road behavior, which could significantly reduce reckless driving. The issue of bus racing on highways, which poses a serious risk to passengers and other road users, needs to be addressed immediately.
In addition to technological solutions, law enforcement is urged to increase roadblocks and patrols, especially during peak travel times, to catch errant drivers. President Mnangagwa’s call for the ZRP to enhance its operational capacity with the recent distribution of 500 vehicles is a step in the right direction, but further investments are needed to ensure comprehensive enforcement across the country.
The urgency of these measures cannot be overstated. Zimbabwe’s roads are becoming increasingly dangerous, and the public is paying a heavy price. The time for decisive action is now—before more lives are lost in senseless accidents that could have been prevented.
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