Traffic chaos in Harare increases

Harare's Central Business District (CBD) is increasingly being likened to a dangerous "traffic jungle," following a string of fatal and near-fatal incidents that have renewed public concern over reckless driving and pedestrian safety in the city centre.

Within the space of 24 hours this week, two pedestrians were struck in separate incidents, one of which proved fatal. The tragedies have drawn attention to what residents describe as a hazardous cycle of speeding, law-enforcement evasion and congested urban streets.

On Wednesday, a 50-year-old man, identified as Blessing Mangezi, was killed while seeking assistance from municipal officers to have his vehicle released after it was clamped. He was struck by a speeding vehicle in the CBD. A day later, a woman was left critically injured in another hit-and-run incident involving a fast-moving vehicle.

The incidents sparked widespread speculation on social media, with some users suggesting the crashes were linked to police pursuits of illegal commuter taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, which are often blamed for reckless driving in the CBD.

However, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi dismissed claims that the fatal Wednesday incident was linked to a police operation.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police acknowledges the recent viral social media posts concerning the unfortunate death of Blessing Mangezi on January 7, 2026. Our deepest condolences go out to the bereaved family," said Comm Nyathi.

He clarified that the victim was struck by a Nissan Vanette truck driven by Tompsone Zuze (32), who was allegedly speeding at the time.

"At the time of the incident, there were no police operations targeting public service vehicles or mushikashika in the area. This is the correct position," he said.

Commissioner Nyathi added that any attempts to implicate the police were unfounded, explaining that the clamping of the victim's vehicle had been carried out by City of Harare officials in line with municipal by-laws.

"The reality is that Harare City Park officials clamped the victim's vehicle under city by-laws. Any insinuation implicating the Zimbabwe Republic Police is unfounded. We are currently collaborating with the City of Harare to ascertain the full details," he said.

City Parking management also issued a statement distancing itself from the incident, saying its enforcement agents were not involved at the time.

"City Parking had no involvement with the vehicle at the time of the incident. There was no outstanding transaction with our enforcement agents; the vehicle was not clamped by our team," the statement read.

Despite the clarifications, public concern remains high, with many residents arguing that frequent speeding, weak traffic discipline and congested roads have turned the CBD into a danger zone for pedestrians.

As Harare authorities grapple with growing pressure to improve road safety, the latest incidents have intensified calls for clearer enforcement strategies, stricter traffic controls and measures to better protect pedestrians in the city's busiest areas.