TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will introduce smart policing which will involve the use of cameras on the roads and state of the art gadgets to deal with errand drivers on the country’s roads.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage permanent secretary, Aaron Nhepera, said the move is designed to make the country’s roads safe.
“Modern tools of policing such as breathalysers and speed traps are set to be introduced in an effort to ensure roads are totally safe for the general public,” Nhepera said at the launch of the Road Safety Performance Review in Bulawayo.
He said the initiative has been delayed by lack of funding due to the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe urging development partners such as United Nations agencies to “come and work with us as we embark on this technological revolution for the Zimbabwe Republic Police”.
Nhepera blamed drivers who drive under the influence of intoxicating substances.
He also said corrupt officers would be prosecuted.
“In this regard several officers who report on the wrong side of the law, especially at roadblocks, were relieved of their duties. This is to show that no one is above the law. It also demonstrates our commitment towards keeping our roads safe, avoiding loss of lives and ensuring convenience to our travelling public,” Nhepera said.
According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, five people die in accidents every day in Zimbabwe. Every 15 minutes a traffic accident is reported.
There has been a 35% rise in the fatality rate in nearly 10 years. In 2011 the rate was 1 291 escalating to 2 000 deaths in 2019.
