By 
President Mnangagwa has pledged the government’s unwavering commitment to bringing order to Zimbabwe’s increasingly dangerous roads, vowing to use every available tool and technology to address the escalating road traffic crisis.
The country recorded a staggering 51,994 accidents in 2023, leading to 2,099 deaths and 9,955 injuries. These numbers place Zimbabwe among the most dangerous countries for road users, with road traffic accidents becoming a silent epidemic that costs the economy over US$406 million annually.
To address the growing crisis, the government has introduced various measures, including the installation of speed-limiting devices in public transport vehicles and the reintroduction of speed cameras on highways. Efforts have also been stepped up to enforce stricter road safety laws, with the police, Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), and Traffic Safety Council working together to remove unroadworthy vehicles from the roads.
By Ruvarashe Gora
“We will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of quality service delivery throughout our economy,” said President Mnangagwa at the 45th Independence Day in Gokwe. “Technology will be deployed to restore order on our roads and curb the growing menace of traffic accidents”.
While these efforts have seen early success, including a 20% reduction in road accidents during the 2023 festive season, experts warn that human error remains the major contributing factor. Speeding, reckless overtaking, and driving under the influence continue to claim lives, with the majority of fatalities occurring among 25 to 45 year olds, a demographic crucial to the country’s workforce and economic growth.
Drawing lessons from neighboring countries like Namibia and Botswana, where stricter enforcement and better road management have reduced accidents, Zimbabwe is focused on leveraging technology, law enforcement, and public education to bring lasting change.
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