Police Launch New Anti-mushikashika Blitz

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a campaign against errant drivers, traffic offenders and illegal transport operators (mushikashika) during the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays to curb road carnage.

ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation will be carried out from Friday until Tuesday. He said:

I want to assure the public that when we are conducting these campaigns with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, we will impound all unroadworthy vehicles. So drivers are warned.

We will also ensure that those who are carrying any load which is above the capacity stipulated of their they are arrested.

Meanwhile, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) chairperson Kura Sibanda urged road users to adhere to the rules of the road. Sibanda said:

Increased volumes of traffic will be on our roads as the public uses this period to engage in social, cultural and religious activities.

As witnessed by the Chimanimani fatal road crash that happened earlier this year, those that travel to church gatherings tend to overload passengers and goods.

We have also noticed an increased number of unlicenced drivers ferrying these people to and from church gatherings and conferences.

We, therefore, urge them to avoid overloading and ensure that the drivers responsible for their travels are licenced.

When travelling at night, we encourage pedestrians to wear bright colours or reflective clothing so that motorists can see them from a distance.

We urge all road users to adhere to the rules of the road.

Both Asst Comm Nyathi and the TSCZ chairman were speaking at the launch of the Shona and Ndebele versions of the Highway Code on Thursday in Harare.

More: NewZimbabwe.com, The Herald