Police commanders launch road safety campaign as festive period begins

By Auther Chimbgwa

Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba Friday took time off his office work to spearhead a road safety campaign that was joined by his lieutenants within the Zimbabwe Republic Police top brass in parts of the country.

The police boss conducted his road safety campaign along the Harare-Masvingo highway near Mvuma in efforts to curb the high incidence of road traffic accidents during the festive period.

Commissioner-General Mutamba was partnered by some senior officers and junior members of the police.

In Harare, Deputy Police Commissioner Learn Ncube also conducted a similar campaign where he took time to address travellers who were boarding buses to different destinations in the country.

Meanwhile, at the launch of the 2025 festive season campaign for Harare Province covered by Zimstar News at the Roadport Bus Station, the Officer Commanding Harare Province Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru vowed dire consequences on touts who are in the habit of pushing and manhandling travellers as they try to compete for passengers.

Commissioner Chikunguru said such conduct strips innocent travellers of their dignity.

“Here, and everywhere across our province, we issue a strong warning against touting, pushing, or manhandling travellers.

“Such conduct strips people of their dignity, creates confusion, and exposes women, children, and the elderly to unnecessary risk.

“No traveller should ever be coerced or intimidated into boarding a vehicle.

“Disorderly behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Anyone who violates the rights or safety of travellers will face the full wrath of the law,” warned Commissioner Chikunguru.

The campaign in Harare was held under the theme: “Towards a Safe, Secure and Peaceful Festive Season,” which Commissioner Chikunguru said was a call to action against the road carnage and other vices prevalent during the current period.

“It challenges all of us — law enforcement officers, transport operators, travellers, families, communities, and partners across the board — to work together in creating an environment where safety, peace, and responsibility define every celebration,” he said.

Commissioner Chikunguru appealed to the public to exercise responsibility, particularly regarding alcohol consumption.

“Festive enjoyment must never cost a life. One reckless decision — a moment of poor judgment — can change everything. Let us avoid excessive drinking, maintain self-control, and absolutely never drive under the influence of alcohol,” he said.

The top ranking police officer said the ZRP is now well equipped with some breathalysing machines which allow police operatives on patrol to conduct on the spot tests against offending motorists.

He added, “Speeding, overloading, and negligent driving continue to claim precious lives.

“Resist the temptation to engage in these dangerous practices. Value life above profit.

“Be warned that this festive season, we will enforce traffic laws firmly — not to hinder your work, but to protect the many lives entrusted to you.”

Commissioner Chikunguru also warned transporters against drug trafficking.

“Equally concerning is the rise in drug trafficking.

“Recently, police intercepted long-distance buses smuggling illicit beer and cross-border coaches concealing dagga in hidden compartments.

“This festive period, buses and other vehicles will be monitored closely.

“Anyone involved in smuggling or facilitating these crimes will be arrested and prosecuted,” said the senior police officer.

As the end of the year approaches, Commissioner Chikunguru called for peaceful, respectful, and orderly celebrations.

“Let us welcome the New Year without disorder, noise pollution, or dangerous practices.

“Wild parties — by whatever detestable names or forms they take — remain banned, and have no place in our society.

“Firecrackers also remain prohibited because of the harm they cause to children, the elderly, pets, and entire neighbourhoods.

“Let us celebrate in ways that uphold the peace, dignity, and safety we all work hard to maintain,” he said.

He also directed all our police stations in the province to intensify patrols and deliver maximum security to citizens.

During one of his interactions with travellers bound for South Africa on a Tamuka Luxury buses coach, Commissioner Chikunguru urged them to be responsible and warn drivers against speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.

He also called on passengers to report reckless drivers to police officers manning roadblocks.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZPTO) Administrator Tigere Chigome echoed Commissioner Chikunguru’s sentiments, saying speed was one of the main causes of road accidents and loss of lives.

“If passengers detect that bus drivers are driving at over 100km/hr, they should report such errant drivers to the police or warn them to reduce such speeds if fatal accidents are to be substantially curbed,” said Chigome.

Roadport was aptly chosen for the Friday’s road safety campaign launch as it is an international bus station.

It connects Zimbabwe with South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, Tanzania and other destinations.