Zimbabwe bus operators accused of tampering with speed limit devices

As the festive season approaches, some bus operators are facing serious accusations of tampering with speed limit devices, jeopardizing the safety of passengers. The illegal modification of these devices has raised concerns about a possible increase in road traffic accidents, especially with the anticipated surge in travelers during the holiday period.

According to Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023, all public service vehicles are required to be fitted with speed-limiting devices to ensure that they do not exceed 100 km/h. The deadline for installation was August 1, 2023, but investigations by NewsDay have revealed that many bus operators are tampering with these devices after receiving their operating licenses from the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID).

A troubling incident recently came to light when a bus from Rimbi Bus Company was filmed traveling at speeds exceeding 140 km/h by Youth Development Minister Tino Machakaire. The driver was subsequently arrested, and the bus was impounded by the VID. Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe later took to social media to commend Machakaire for exposing the dangerous behavior.

During their investigation, NewsDay reporters boarded several buses traveling on the Harare-Mutare and Harare-Chinhoyi routes and observed that almost all the buses were speeding beyond the 100 km/h limit.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned bus operators that tampering with speed limit devices is a criminal offense. "I would like to warn bus operators that the law came into effect through an SI and anyone who is wilfully tampering with the devices is breaking the law and will be punished," he said.

The Road Motor Transportation Act, under Section 17(1)(b), grants the Commissioner of Road Transport the authority to suspend an operator's license if there is evidence of disregard for the terms and conditions of their operating license.

Earlier in the year, the government lifted the suspension on three bus operators - Blue Circle, City Bus, and Simlex Coaches - after they were involved in a fatal crash that claimed 11 lives. In 2023, the Zimbabwe Republic Police recorded around 1,200 road accidents involving buses, a 15% increase from the previous year. 40% of these accidents were attributed to speeding.

Rimbi Bus Company owner Decent Rimbi explained to NewsDay that operators are facing difficulties with speed limit devices, claiming they are prone to malfunction. "The truth is we are tired of changing the speed limit devices. We were told where to buy them, but they only work for two to three days," he said.

In contrast, Blue Circle Bus Company owner Roy Gonyora placed the blame on the drivers for tampering with the devices. "We are committed to providing safe travel to our customers. Where such behavior is suspected, we urge members of the public to report any errant drivers and they will be disciplined," he stated.

The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe president, Tafadzwa Goliati, expressed deep concern over the widespread disregard for passenger safety. "We are deeply concerned about the blatant disregard for passenger safety," Goliati said. "Speed-limit tampering is illegal, yet many buses operate without scrutiny. The government must strengthen regulations, ensure regular inspections, and impose heavy penalties on offenders. Many passengers are afraid to speak up, fearing backlash from aggressive drivers."

The government has consistently warned public service vehicle drivers to adhere to speed limits as mandated by law, warning that failure to comply could result in the cancellation of operating licenses. With the festive season just around the corner, authorities are under increasing pressure to ensure the safety of all road users and prevent further road traffic incidents.