Zimbabwe police hunt 20,000 motorists for traffic light violations

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a full-scale crackdown on traffic law violators, targeting at least 20,000 motorists in Harare and Bulawayo for failing to obey traffic light signals. The operation follows the rollout of an advanced electronic traffic management system aimed at enhancing road safety and law enforcement.

According to ZRP, a list of nearly 300 vehicles linked to traffic violations has already been made public, yet only 95 motorists have come forward to face the law. Police have since deployed specialised crack teams to pursue non-compliant offenders across the country.

"It is disturbing that only 95 motorists came forward for the law to take its course," said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi. "We have set up crack teams to track and follow up on the errant motorists throughout the country. The police will effect arrests and impound offending vehicles."

In Harare, authorities have escalated the campaign by naming individuals and companies found to be in violation, while in Bulawayo, police are currently collecting registration data as part of system upgrades to bolster enforcement capabilities.

The high-tech traffic monitoring system, developed under a US$80 million public-private partnership with Vitronic Machine Vision Middle East, uses surveillance cameras and sensors at major intersections to detect infractions such as red-light jumping, speeding, and reckless driving.

Since its implementation, the system has documented at least 20,000 violations, shedding light on the widespread disregard for traffic laws.

Commissioner Nyathi emphasized that the crackdown sends a clear message to all motorists: "This initiative is a serious warning that no motorist is above the law. We are determined to ensure road safety and compliance without fear or favour."

The ZRP will continue to release regular updates including names and vehicle registration numbers linked to traffic infractions. Offenders are being urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197.

Authorities say the operation is part of a wider strategy to curb Zimbabwe's rising road traffic accidents and to promote a culture of accountability on the roads. Motorists are being strongly advised to adhere to all traffic regulations to avoid penalties, arrests, or vehicle impoundment.