Obey traffic rules, police warn motorists
By Freeman Razemba
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned motorists, especially kombi drivers, to desist from disobeying traffic rules and regulations, in the process endangering the lives of other road users.
The ZRP National Traffic Section said errant drivers had caused several accidents, which have claimed innocent lives.
Police vowed to bring the culprits to book. In an interview yesterday, National Traffic Section spokesperson Inspector Tigere Chigome said motorists sometimes ignored police orders when flagged to stop.
“Of late, we have been recording accidents where commuter omnibuses were involved after the drivers proceeded or drove through a red robot,” Inspector Chigome said.
“They even fail to stop whenever they are stopped by police officers enforcing traffic laws. Motorists have also joined in such practices. In most cases, police officers and pedestrians have been knocked down and killed while others are seriously injured in the process,” he said.
Insp Chigome revealed that the National Traffic Section was now headed by a new officer commanding, Senior Assistant Commissioner Isaac Tayengwa, who has replaced Snr Asst Comm Fellie Mjanga-Chikowero.
Insp Chigome warned touts against hanging on the back of commuter omnibuses as they risked losing their lives.
He said they had observed that commuter omnibus operators allowed unlicensed people to drive their vehicles against regulations pertaining to passenger service vehicles.
Passenger service vehicle drivers should be above the age of 25 years, with five years of driving experience, a valid re-test and defensive driving competence certificate and should be medically certified.
“There have also been reports that some kombi drivers are taking alcohol or abusing drugs when parked at bus termini in and around the city.
“Their behaviour is likely to change when they start driving, putting at risk the lives of commuters by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Insp Chigome said.
He challenged kombi owners to monitor their vehicles and the conduct of their drivers on the roads.
Insp Chigome also urged commuters to board commuter omnibuses at designated pick-up points and use designated crossing points instead of jaywalking across busy streets. The Herald
