Traffic Council to get arresting powers

The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) is set to be transformed into an agency with arresting powers to bolster its enforcement capabilities by June 2026, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has announced.

Currently, the TSCZ's mandate is largely limited to raising road safety awareness and promoting compliance through educational campaigns. Unlike the Environmental Management Agency, which can issue fines and enforce compliance, the TSCZ does not have the authority to penalise traffic offenders directly. The proposed upgrade would allow the council to issue tickets, enforce regulations, and coordinate road safety initiatives across the country.

Minister Mhona's remarks were read on his behalf by Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco during the 10th edition of the Road Safety Journalistic Awards ceremony in Harare last Friday. He tasked TSCZ chairman Kura Sibanda and his team to prepare and submit the principles for the transformation by June 30, 2026, after which Cabinet would consider the proposal and issue guidance.

"In thanking the Traffic Safety Council for its goal-oriented leadership, allow me to pronounce their next task: the transformation of the TSCZ into a lead Road Safety Agency with enforcement powers. That currently remains the missing link in our road safety architecture," Minister Mhona said.

The move comes as Zimbabwe seeks to align itself with regional best practices. Neighbouring countries such as Zambia and South Africa already have road safety agencies with arresting powers, putting Zimbabwe at a disadvantage in cross-border enforcement and road safety coordination.

The TSCZ has submitted the necessary technical input to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, and the matter now awaits government approval. If granted, the agency's expanded mandate is expected to strengthen road safety enforcement and reduce traffic-related incidents nationwide.