News / National
Mnangagwa want errant road users to be punished
14 Nov 2015 at 19:45hrs | Views
Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for deterrent penalties to be meted out on errant road users.
He was speaking at the inaugural Africa Road Safety Day national commemoration held at Mkoba stadium in Gweru.
The commemorations started in the morning punctuated by song and dance from various entertainment groups including Bob Nyabinde.
Addressing the gathering Acting President Mnangagwa called for more deterrent penalties to be imposed on negligent drivers.
He expressed dismay over the current punishment meted on traffic offenders, especially in comparison with punishment meted on cattle rustlers.
"Deterrent penalties must be meted out on errant road users. If stock theft courts a minimum sentence of 7 years imprisonment, why should a driver killer be fined a mere $100 and get away with murder? Road carnage destroys lives, limbs and property, hence it is an enemy of economic growth," said Mnangagwa.
Road carnage has become the nation's second biggest killer after the HIV pandemic and education authorities have done well by moving towards incorporating road safety into the curriculum, says the Acting President.
"I can assure you that the greatest life skill we can teach our children is to inculcate in them a road safety culture," he added.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Jorum Gumbo says although Zimbabwe is ranked fourth in terms of implementing Africa Road Safety Action, the country still faces formidable road safety management challenges.
After his keynote address Mnangagwa handed over two thousand litres of diesel coupons to the Gweru City Council which they are to use to cover the potholes that have littered the city.
He also handed over computers to Midlands traffic police and text books to Chaplin High School, Sandara and Lundi Park Primary Schools.
The commemorations were held under the theme: 'Towards Enhanced Implementation of the African Plan of Action Measures for the 2011-2020 Road Safety Decade of Action'.
He was speaking at the inaugural Africa Road Safety Day national commemoration held at Mkoba stadium in Gweru.
The commemorations started in the morning punctuated by song and dance from various entertainment groups including Bob Nyabinde.
Addressing the gathering Acting President Mnangagwa called for more deterrent penalties to be imposed on negligent drivers.
He expressed dismay over the current punishment meted on traffic offenders, especially in comparison with punishment meted on cattle rustlers.
"Deterrent penalties must be meted out on errant road users. If stock theft courts a minimum sentence of 7 years imprisonment, why should a driver killer be fined a mere $100 and get away with murder? Road carnage destroys lives, limbs and property, hence it is an enemy of economic growth," said Mnangagwa.
"I can assure you that the greatest life skill we can teach our children is to inculcate in them a road safety culture," he added.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Jorum Gumbo says although Zimbabwe is ranked fourth in terms of implementing Africa Road Safety Action, the country still faces formidable road safety management challenges.
After his keynote address Mnangagwa handed over two thousand litres of diesel coupons to the Gweru City Council which they are to use to cover the potholes that have littered the city.
He also handed over computers to Midlands traffic police and text books to Chaplin High School, Sandara and Lundi Park Primary Schools.
The commemorations were held under the theme: 'Towards Enhanced Implementation of the African Plan of Action Measures for the 2011-2020 Road Safety Decade of Action'.
Source - zbc
