Zanu-PF MP blames 'Tsepete-Tsepete roads' for speeding, road carnage

Zanu-PF legislator for Mudzi West, Knowledge Kaitano, has sparked debate in Parliament after claiming that newly-upgraded "tsepete-tsepete roads" are contributing to road carnage by encouraging drivers to speed.

Kaitano was speaking during a debate on the Portfolio Committee Report on Transport and Infrastructural Development, which examined the country's high rate of traffic accidents. He argued that although many crashes stem from poor driving culture and disregard for road rules, smooth modern highways have also emboldened motorists to "fly" on the open stretch.

"The tsepete-tsepete roads are roads that are constructed excellently well or that are done 100%. When somebody drives on it, they think they are in the third heaven," he said.

"This has been brought about by the Second Republic led by His Excellency the President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. He has brought this tsepete-tsepete concept… now all our roads are becoming tsepete-tsepete and our drivers begin to fly."

He added that road behaviour was deteriorating due to selfish driving habits, warning that reckless conduct was "finishing" the country.

"The level of selfishness exhibited by drivers in Zimbabwe… it is a case of me and me alone. The rest do not matter. That culture is becoming dangerous."

Kaitano also criticised the low cost of traffic fines, claiming many motorists knowingly set aside US$5 for expected violations at roadblocks - an amount he suggested was too insignificant to deter misconduct.

To curb long-distance bus crashes, he called for mandatory speed-limiting technology that cannot be tampered with, arguing that existing voluntary speed-governance measures were too easily bypassed.

While government has highlighted progress in road rehabilitation under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), the reality remains uneven. Major highways have undergone upgrades, but large parts of the road network - particularly in rural areas and older suburbs - remain plagued by potholes, eroding shoulders and unsafe driving surfaces.

Parliament is expected to further debate proposals on enforcement, technology and funding as Zimbabwe continues to battle one of the region's highest rates of traffic-related deaths.