Zimbabwe Intensifies Road Safety Crackdown Ahead of Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays

By Southerton Business Times | Gweru, Zimbabwe

AUTHORITIES have intensified road safety and crime prevention operations across Zimbabwe ahead of the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, amid concerns over rising road accidents, substance abuse and holiday-related crime.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in partnership with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), launched a road safety awareness campaign in Gweru on Saturday aimed at reducing accidents and promoting responsible behaviour during one of the country's busiest travel periods. The campaign comes as thousands of Zimbabweans prepare to travel to attend national commemorations, visit relatives and participate in holiday activities. Police say the initiative combines public education with enhanced law enforcement operations targeting dangerous driving, drunk driving, illegal transportation of alcohol and other criminal activities often associated with holiday periods.

Motorists call for responsible driving

Motorists welcomed the campaign and urged road users to prioritise safety as traffic volumes increase across the country. One motorist said drivers should exercise patience and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on long journeys.

“During these holidays, we are travelling long distances, so motorists need to be patient, avoid speeding and make sure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on a journey,” the motorist said.

Another road user warned against driving under the influence of alcohol.

“We want to enjoy the holidays safely. People should avoid drinking and driving, and passengers should also speak up when a driver is speeding or driving recklessly,” the motorist said.

Travellers also raised concerns about security risks during the holiday period.

“Crime can also increase during busy holiday periods, so we encourage people to look after their property and report suspicious activities to the police,” another motorist added.

Concerns were also raised about the growing impact of drug and substance abuse among young people.

“Drug and substance abuse is a serious concern, especially among young people. We need communities and parents to work together to stop this problem,” another motorist said.

Police step up enforcement

ZRP Officer Commanding Midlands Province, Commissioner Patson Nyabadza, said police had deployed officers across the province to enforce traffic regulations and combat crime.

“We are engaging stakeholders, particularly motorists and the public in general, to take safety seriously and take measures to safeguard their property,” Nyabadza said.

“We are also urging motorists to observe road rules and regulations, avoid reckless driving and other risky behaviour that could potentially result in accidents.”

He said police officers were conducting alcohol tests on motorists where necessary and mounting roadblocks to detect illegal activities.

“We are also conducting roadblocks to ensure that there is no transportation of unapproved alcohol and other illicit beverages,” he said.

Nyabadza added that police teams had also been deployed to target illegal alcohol outlets and unlicensed drinking establishments.

Rising holiday accident figures

The campaign follows a significant increase in road traffic accidents recorded during last year's Heroes and Defence Forces holidays. According to police statistics, 196 road traffic accidents were recorded during the 2025 holiday period, compared to 149 accidents during the same period in 2024. Road fatalities also increased, rising from 16 deaths in 2024 to 24 deaths in 2025.

Authorities hope increased enforcement, public awareness campaigns and responsible behaviour by motorists will help reverse the trend during this year's commemorations. Police have urged travellers to obey traffic laws, avoid speeding, refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol and remain vigilant against criminal activities while travelling. With traffic volumes expected to rise over the coming days, authorities say road safety remains everyone's responsibility.

Zimbabwe road safety campaign