Harare Traffic Cameras Capture Over Four Million Violations

By Staff Reporter | Harare

More than four million traffic violations have been captured by Harare’s new artificial intelligence-powered traffic management system, with authorities now contacting some motorists as enforcement of road regulations gathers pace.

The latest figure represents a sharp increase from the more than 2.3 million violations recorded in mid-August, according to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

The automated system, installed at strategic intersections across Harare, is designed to detect a range of traffic offences, including running red lights, driving against the flow of traffic, speeding, using mobile phones while driving and travelling without fastened seatbelts.

It also detects motorists picking up or dropping off passengers at undesignated locations, including in the middle of roads.

Nyathi said authorities were finalising arrangements for the payment of fines following the verification of recorded violations. “Over four million violators have been detected by the cameras to date, and some of the violations include driving through red traffic lights, driving towards oncoming vehicles and picking up and dropping off passengers in the middle of the road,” he said.

Authorities verify violations

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi said authorities had already begun contacting some motorists. “The system is set to be commissioned by President Mnangagwa soon. However, authorities have started contacting some of the offenders for fining,” Faranisi said. He said recorded violations were being verified before motorists were penalised.

This process is intended to ensure that genuine traffic offences are separated from instances where motorists may have been directed through intersections by police officers or where road markings and other circumstances could have affected the apparent violation. The verification process was also highlighted when the system had recorded about 1.1 million violations earlier in August, with authorities saying not every camera detection would automatically result in a penalty.

Faranisi said a CBZ Bank account had been opened to receive payments from motorists who are fined. Authorities are also finalising an electronic payment platform that will allow motorists to settle fines online, reducing the need for physical interaction with enforcement officials.

More cameras planned

The traffic surveillance system is being implemented under Phase One of the Smart Traffic Management and Surveillance Programme, a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and telecommunications company TelOne. Twenty camera sites have been installed at strategic intersections along major roads in Harare. Government plans to deploy more than 300 high-tech cameras across the capital before extending the programme to other cities.

The system is designed not only to detect traffic violations but also to provide real-time information on traffic movements. Authorities expect the technology to help identify congestion, traffic bottlenecks and road incidents more quickly. TelOne chief executive Lawrence Nkala previously said the first phase involved 20 camera sites in Harare, with the infrastructure being installed at major intersections across the capital.

The latest developments mark a shift from the initial surveillance phase towards enforcement, although the verification process remains an important part of determining which recorded incidents result in penalties. For motorists, authorities have urged greater compliance with traffic regulations as the camera network expands and automated monitoring becomes more widespread.

Harare traffic cameras