Reckless driving must end now: Police, kombi associations

POLICE and commuter omnibus associations have called for urgent action to end reckless driving in Harare, warning that growing lawlessness on the roads is putting lives at risk.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police says it is stepping up enforcement to curb dangerous driving, illegal pick-up points and unregistered transport operations.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said motorists who disregard traffic laws will face the full force of the law, with technology now playing a key role in enforcement.

“Anyone thinking they can get away with reckless driving is fooling themselves. Those people who think they can get away with crime are over, as cameras are now capturing offenders,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

He said authorities are moving towards an electronic traffic management system to improve monitoring and reduce violations.

The crackdown follows growing concern over kombi drivers who routinely run red lights, drive on pavements and load passengers at undesignated points, often while evading police.

The Zimbabwe union of Drivers and Conductors said enforcement must go beyond roadblocks and embrace modern systems.

ZUDAC spokesperson Reason Dombo Ajida said the current “cat-and-mouse” approach is ineffective.

“We need to move away from the mushikashika style of enforcement and implement systems that monitor behaviour in real time. Without proper regulation, illegal operators will continue to put lives at risk,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACCO) said the scale of informality in the sector is alarming.

GHACCO secretary-general Ngoni Katsvairo said thousands of unregistered vehicles are operating illegally in Harare.

“We have about 16 000 kombis in the city, but only 5 500 are registered,” Katsvairo said.

“Pirate taxis dominate the streets, creating dangerous conditions and putting commuters at risk.”

He said formal associations play a critical role in promoting safety, compliance and driver training, adding that unregistered operators are largely responsible for reckless behaviour.

Katsvairo also highlighted the importance of holding bays to reduce congestion and illegal street operations, citing facilities such as Coventry Road that can accommodate hundreds of vehicles in an organised system.

Transport experts say reckless driving is a major contributor to road accidents, with Zimbabwe recording over 1 500 fatalities annually, many linked to commuter omnibus violations.

Authorities and industry players agree that a combination of enforcement, technology, regulation and improved public transport systems is needed to restore order.

As the crackdown intensifies, police and operators say ending reckless driving is critical to saving lives and restoring sanity on Zimbabwe’s roads.