NO MERCY EVEN FOR COPS IN CRACKDOWN

POLICE are not sparring anyone when it comes to their crackdown on rogue elements on the country’s roads. Even police officers are being caught up in the crackdown and an officer was fined yesterday for reckless driving. Constable Masuka, who is based in Mbare, was fined for reckless driving along Simon Mazorodze Road, during peak hours.

The officer nearly hit a journalist, who was covering a traffic control and road safety awareness campaign. In an attempt to avoid congestion, Cst Masuka veered off the designated traffic lanes into an imaginary third lane. She probably believed that her fellow officers were going to turn a blind eye to her violation of the traffic rules.

However, she was fined. “I realised my mistake when I got too close to the journalist. If possible, I ask for your understanding, I was running late for work after attending a funeral.” A bus driver from Mabhiza Transport was also fined for using an imaginary lane and overloading passengers.

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He defended his actions by saying he could not leave passengers behind during peak hours. A kombi driver was fined for failing to heed police orders to stop, as he disrupted the flow of traffic by using an imaginary lane. A female motorist was penalised for similar violations.

As part of a road traffic safety awareness initiative, the Mbare and Southerton police traffic sections, along with the Harare District Traffic Liaison Committee, conducted campaigns along Simon Mazorodze Road. Chief Inspector Erina Litemwe, the officer in charge of Mbare Traffic, reiterated the importance of respecting road rules and urged motorists to exercise patience. “We must all respect the sanctity of life by adhering to traffic regulations,” she said.

“Imaginary lanes not only lead to accidents but also cause congestion and endanger pedestrians. “We remind drivers to avoid using cell phones while driving and to refrain from creating new lanes that disrupt traffic flow.” Chief Insp Litemwe also warned government vehicle drivers and police officers against reckless practices. She said the law would not be lenient on those who violate road rules.

Richard Kureva, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Commuter Omnibus Transport Organisation (ZICOTO), called on all kombi operators to address reckless driving within their ranks. “We are compiling a database to address this issue and prevent drivers previously dismissed for reckless conduct from joining other associations,” he said. “We urge all kombi drivers to comply with police traffic officers and adhere to the established road regulations.” Chief Superintendent Michael Mumanyi, who commands Harare District’s traffic section, said that traffic control will be prioritised at all major intersections during peak hours.

Nomore Phiri, chairperson of the District Traffic Liaison Committee, commended the majority of motorists cooperating with police at various intersections. “We are receiving positive feedback from motorists experiencing congestion, particularly in Mabvuku and Kuwadzana, who find the police presence helpful,” Phiri said. “Our roads face significant challenges due to increasing traffic volumes over the years.”

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