In a sweeping road safety operation launched on 23 September 2025, the Zimbabwe Republic Police have impounded 186 unsafe vehicles, marking one of the most significant crackdowns on hazardous transport in recent years. The campaign, which spans the country, aims to rid Zimbabwe’s roads of dangerous vehicles that put passengers’ lives at risk.
The confiscated fleet includes a range of commuter omnibuses, private cars, and larger buses. Many were found in alarming states of disrepair, with inspectors uncovering common safety violations such as malfunctioning lights, cracked windscreens, worn-out brakes, and makeshift repairs involving cardboard or plastic sheeting instead of proper glass. Such conditions, police say, turn public roads into “death traps” that threaten every commuter.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson, stressed that the operation is not a short-lived campaign but part of a sustained effort to enforce road safety regulations. Speaking at a recent press briefing, he made it clear that passenger safety is non-negotiable.
“The safety of passengers on our roads is of utmost priority, and all motorists must adhere to the necessary safety standards,” Commissioner Nyathi said. “We cannot compromise on the well-being of passengers who put their trust in these vehicles to transport them safely.”
Police Crackdown Removes 186 Unsafe Vehicles from Zimbabwe’s Roads in Nationwide Safety Drive
The operation has revealed disturbing trends about the state of Zimbabwe’s road transport sector. Many vehicles are being operated well beyond safe limits, with owners neglecting basic maintenance due to cost or oversight. Inspectors have found cases where buses overloaded with passengers lacked functioning seat belts, and minibuses operated without proper servicing for years.Commissioner Nyathi was unequivocal about the stakes involved:
“Every unsafe vehicle on our roads is a potential tragedy waiting to happen. By removing these vehicles, we are protecting lives and restoring order to our transport system.”
The campaign has drawn attention to a broader issue of road safety in Zimbabwe, where road accidents remain a leading cause of injury and death. According to the Road Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, a significant proportion of accidents are linked to poorly maintained vehicles.
The police emphasise that road safety is not the responsibility of law enforcement alone. Commissioner Nyathi urged motorists to take proactive steps in maintaining their vehicles to avoid impoundment and ensure public safety.
“Passenger safety is a shared responsibility that extends to all motorists. It is incumbent upon each of us to ensure that our vehicles are in proper working condition,” he said. “By complying with the regulations and standards set forth by the authorities, motorists can play a crucial role in promoting road safety and preventing accidents caused by unroadworthy vehicles.”
This statement underlines the police’s approach: roadworthiness is not merely a legal obligation but a civic duty. Motorists, whether operating public transport or private vehicles, have a role in protecting their passengers and fellow road users.
The operation will continue until 27 October 2025, with police warning that any vehicle failing to meet safety requirements will be immediately impounded. Roadblocks and inspection points have been set up across the country, and mobile inspection teams are patrolling both urban and rural routes.
The police have also pledged to work closely with other government agencies, including the National Road Traffic Inspectorate and the Road Traffic Safety Council, to sustain the crackdown beyond the current timeline. This, they say, will ensure that Zimbabwe’s roads remain safer for all users.Commissioner Nyathi issued a firm warning to offenders:
“This is not an exercise in harassment but a necessary measure to safeguard lives. Anyone found operating an unroadworthy vehicle will face strict consequences. The message is clear: comply or be removed from the road.”
The crackdown has been met with mixed reactions. Some commuters and motorists have welcomed the initiative, citing it as a necessary step toward improving road safety standards. Others, however, have expressed concern over the potential economic impact, especially on small-scale transport operators who rely heavily on their vehicles for livelihood.
Nonetheless, police insist that the operation is a matter of public safety above all else. They argue that the temporary inconvenience caused by vehicle impoundments will be outweighed by long-term benefits — fewer road accidents, reduced fatalities, and a more reliable transport system.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have signalled that the campaign is part of a larger national effort to improve transport safety and compliance. Commissioner Nyathi reiterated their commitment:
“We will not relent until our roads are free of unsafe vehicles. This is about saving lives and protecting communities. We call upon all motorists to play their part.”
As the operation continues across Zimbabwe, it serves as a reminder that road safety requires collective action — from law enforcement, vehicle owners, operators, and passengers alike.
Source- iHarare
