Zimbabwe’s Road Crisis: Tackling Reckless Driving with Technology, Enforcement, and Reform.

Mar 05, 2025

1. Introduction

Zimbabwe remains critically off-track in meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.6 target of halving road crash deaths and serious injuries by 2030. The 2022 United Nations Road Safety Performance Reviews (RSPR) show that the transformative progress needed to achieve this goal has yet to materialize. Between January and May 2024 alone, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) recorded 21,183 road accidents, an average of more than 141 daily. This results in 860 fatalities, or close to six deaths each day (TSCZ, 2024). This represents a disturbing 12.6% increase from the 125.4 daily crash rate recorded in 2021, underscoring the depth of Zimbabwe’s road safety crisis.

Bad driving remains a critical public health and development issue, claiming thousands of preventable lives each year. Official records note approximately 2,000 annual road fatalities, while recent World Health Organization (WHO) estimates place the true figure at 4,700–7,000 (WHO, 2023). This daily average of five to six deaths which is 150 every month and is driven by driver error, poorly maintained vehicles, insufficient infrastructure, and ingrained social norms. As these sobering statistics highlight, only decisive, evidence-based strategies and concerted efforts from all stakeholders will reverse Zimbabwe’s alarming road safety trends and bring the country closer to meaningful SDG alignment. Beyond the devastating human toll, road carnage drains Zimbabwe’s economy of an estimated 2.5-3 % of its GDP annually[1].

Present research underscores that bad driving is not simply an individual failing but an outcome of overlapping systemic and societal factors (Salmon et al., 2018). While driver anger, lack of enforcement, and corruption are central issues (Deffenbacher, 2016; Stanojević et al., 2018). Zimbabweans also note a deeper erosion of trust and empathy on the roads, a breakdown of the social contract. This paper examines recent accident statistics, root causes of poor driving, the social contract’s breakdown and herd mentality, comparisons with other African nations, urban-rural differences, and policy recommendations for safer roads. Emphasizing both local realities and global best practices, the paper aims to show holistic action, enforcement, infrastructure, education, and a renewed sense of responsibility crucial to ending Zimbabwe’s road carnage. In the next section, we explore the current statistics of road accidents in Zimbabwe.

2. Recent Accident Statistics in Zimbabwe

Despite extensive road safety campaigns, Zimbabwe continues to experience alarmingly high rates of road accidents. In 2022, a total of 52,585 road traffic accidents were recorded, representing a 16.1% increase from the 45,307 reported in 2021 (Transport Statistics Report, 2022). Between January and September 2023, Zimbabwe recorded 38,482 road incidents, averaging approximately 141 accidents per day which is equivalent to one crash every ten minutes (Transport Statistics Report, 2022)

Official records indicate that around 2,000 people die annually due to road accidents; however, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests the actual figure could range between 4,700 and 7,000 deaths per year due to underreporting and post-crash fatalities (WHO, 2023). As a result, the officially reported fatality rate underestimates Zimbabwe’s true burden of road traffic deaths.

When considering victims who succumb to injuries en route to hospitals or due to delayed medical intervention, Zimbabwe’s estimated road fatality rate stands at approximately thirty deaths per 100,000 people, making it among the highest in the world and nearly double the global average (WHO, 2023). On average, about one hundred and fifty people lose their lives each month due to road traffic collisions, imposing severe economic and emotional hardships on affected families and communities (Road Safety Performance Review, 2021). The data further indicates a 34% increase in road traffic deaths between 2011 and 2019, underscoring that, without urgent and effective interventions, the crisis is likely to worsen (UNECA, 2022).

Beyond the tragic loss of life, road accidents impose a significant economic burden on Zimbabwe’s economy. It is estimated that road accidents cost the country 2.5-3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), translating to hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses annually (Wijnen, 2013). These costs arise from emergency response expenditures, healthcare costs, vehicle repairs, property damage, and productivity declines (Chronicle, 2023) Additionally, hospitals are frequently overwhelmed with road accident victims, placing immense strain on trauma care units and diverting critical medical resources from other health priorities (Zimbabwe UN, 2022). Many families face sudden financial distress, struggling with funeral expenses and the loss of primary income earners.

Zimbabwe’s road safety crisis is not merely a transportation issue but a significant public health and social development challenge. Addressing this crisis requires understanding the root cause of accidents which we explore in the next section.

3. Causes of Bad Driving in Zimbabwe

Although several factors shape Zimbabwe’s hazardous roads, research consistently points to driver behaviour as the top cause of collisions (UNECA, 2022). Indeed, around 90% of road accidents are tied to human error (UNECA, 2019). We discuss just four conventional issues:

First, excessive speed remains a leading cause of road accidents in Zimbabwe, significantly reducing reaction times and increasing the severity of road accidents. Reckless overtaking, particularly on two-lane highways, contributes to a high number of head-on collisions. A recent high-profile crash near the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway, in which twenty-eight people lost their lives[2], was directly attributed to a driver attempting to overtake at a tollgate, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of ignoring basic road safety rules (The Herald, 2025).

Secondly, despite a legal blood alcohol limit of 0.08% (WHO, 2021), drunk driving remains prevalent. Enforcement is almost non-existent, particularly at night. Intoxicated drivers travelling at high speeds or weaving through lanes contribute significantly to weekend and festive season crash spikes.

Third, ageing, poorly maintained vehicles exacerbate road risks. Tire blowouts, brake failures, and malfunctioning headlights occur frequently. Zimbabwe lacks mandatory annual inspections[3] for private cars, letting substandard vehicles stay on the roads (WHO, 2021). Overloaded buses and trucks, often in disrepair, heighten the probability of deadly road accidents. Poorly maintained roads with potholes, inadequate signage, and non-functional traffic lights present significant hazards. Highway designs often lack rumble strips, guardrails, or safe pedestrian crossings (Chronicle, 2023). Drivers swerving to avoid potholes can trigger collisions, and pedestrians remain vulnerable due to scarce sidewalks. Beyond speed violations, many drivers ignore traffic lights, run red signals, fail to yield, or drive aggressively in congested cities. Kombis[4] regularly makes abrupt stops and show little regard for lanes. This consistent disregard of rules compounds overall road chaos.

Fourth, corruption has facilitated obtaining licenses without adequate testing or training. Lacking defensive driving skills, some motorists make catastrophic errors under high-risk conditions. Most inexperienced drivers are not familiar with the road rules and norms or etiquette.

Though not a direct cause of collisions, slow or insufficient ambulance services magnify fatalities (UNECA, 2019). Zimbabwe’s limited emergency response, especially in rural areas[5], means the “Golden Hour” for life-saving care is often lost (Møller & Haustein, 2018).

4. The Broken Social Contract, Lack of Trust and Herd Mentality

Beyond the tangible factors of enforcement, vehicle conditions, and infrastructure, Zimbabwe is facing a crisis of broken social contract on its roads. In many cultures, the social contract implies trusting that fellow drivers will follow basic norms like indicating turns, respecting right-of-way, and driving defensively (Lennon et al., 2011). However, a prevailing sentiment that “no one trusts the next person to do the right thing,” leads to anxiety, hostility, and snap decisions.

When each driver assumes that others are incompetent or acting only in self-interest, a spiral of “I must go first” behaviour emerges. This fosters confusion at intersections, rampant lane-changing, and dangerously competitive overtaking (Salmon et al., 2018). Instead of cooperative driving where merging lanes or abiding by stop signs is taken for granted, Zimbabwe’s roads often see aggressive, last-second moves. In psychological terms, this can be viewed as an actor-observer bias on a massive scale: we justify our own actions as “necessary,” but label others as “terrible drivers” (Lennon et al., 2011).

Amid absent or weak enforcement, a herd mentality thrives. Drivers observe that others speed, run red lights, or disregard signage with minimal consequences, and soon adopt the same approach themselves. The system implicitly rewards or at least fails to punish violations, fuelling a vicious cycle (Stanojević et al., 2018). Kombis and mushika-shika[6] that race each other to collect passengers exemplify this phenomenon, forcing private cars to emulate or risk being overtaken dangerously.

Underlying this broken social contract is a lack of empathy or care for the next person’s well-being. A dominating pervasive “every man for himself” mindset, wherein even basic courtesies like letting pedestrians cross or giving way at intersections are neglected. This selfish plague devalues human life, normalizing near-misses and collisions as acceptable risks (Møller & Haustein, 2018). The erosion of empathy fosters heightened aggression, further fuelling collisions.

Reversing this dynamic requires a collective commitment to re-establishing mutual respect on the roads. Public awareness campaigns can emphasize that the next driver is not your enemy and highlight how small courtesies can prevent major road accidents. Coupled with consistent enforcement[7] the social contract can be gradually repaired. Studies in other countries show that once mutual trust and consistent rule-following are established, roads become inherently safer (Deffenbacher, 2016). For Zimbabwe, acknowledging and tackling this broken social contract is a crucial step toward solving its road safety crisis.

As touched upon above, Zimbabwe’s epidemic of bad driving is fuelled not only by individual failings but by a collective mindset that normalizes “survival of the fittest” on the roads. When drivers no longer trust each other to behave responsibly, confusion and fear multiply. Everyone rushes to “get ahead,” ironically creating more congestion and road accidents. At intersections, rather than cooperating at four-way stops or roundabouts, drivers aggressively fight for position, often causing gridlock and unnecessary delays. This chaos is reinforced by a herd mentality, where repeated violations without consequences encourage even ordinarily cautious drivers to adopt reckless behaviours, perpetuating the cycle of lawlessness (Stanojević et al., 2018). The erosion of basic courtesies, such as yielding to merging vehicles or allowing pedestrians to cross safely, is increasingly dismissed as a weakness, fostering a “selfish plague” that prioritizes personal convenience over collective safety (Møller & Haustein, 2018). The result is a road environment where no one expects others to follow rules, leading to frequent collisions, heightened frustration, and a pervasive sense of disorder (Salmon et al., 2018). Rebuilding this social contract requires consistent enforcement that rewards good behaviour and penalizes wrongdoing, alongside large-scale public campaigns that highlight the lifesaving value of empathy and courtesy (Deffenbacher, 2016). The cost of ignoring this breakdown is reflected in Zimbabwe’s rising accident statistics, making it clear that addressing this issue is not a secondary concern but a fundamental step toward safer, more humane roads.

5. Comparative View

Africa has the world’s highest overall road traffic death rate, at about 26.6 per 100,000 population (UNECA, 2019). In Southern Africa, Zimbabwe’s estimated ~30 deaths per 100,000 (WHO, 2021) surpasses the continental average. Recent data indicate that South Africa records around 20.7 fatalities per 100,000 population (Geduld et al., 2024). By comparison, Zambia’s 2021 road safety report shows 2,163 recorded fatalities, which translates to 11–12 deaths per 100,000 (Road Transport and Safety Agency, 2021). Both figures are lower than Zimbabwe’s estimate. Meanwhile, Mauritius enforcing higher vehicle standards sees 10–11 deaths per 100,000, illustrating that better infrastructure and consistent enforcement can sharply reduce fatality rates.

Notably, Rwanda installed speed cameras across major roads, cutting speeding and collisions significantly (Mesic et al., 2024). Botswana also improved driver testing systems and patrol coverage. Zimbabwe’s laws on paper limiting speed, mandating seat belts, and banning drunk driving are thorough, yet overshadowed by corruption and minimal accountability.

Infrastructure investment also lags. Several African peers systematically audit roads to fix hazards and protect pedestrians, whereas Zimbabwe’s Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme is still playing catch-up (Chronicle, 2023). By examining these examples, Zimbabwe sees that consistent enforcement, robust licensing procedures, and improved roads can yield significant, measurable gains in road safety.

5.1. Urban vs. Rural Dynamics

Zimbabwe’s cities wrestle with heavy congestion, unreliable traffic signals, and chaotic interchanges. Kombis and mushika-shika flout norms by abruptly stopping or cutting across lanes, fuelling frustration and near-misses. Many collisions occur at lower speeds but remain frequent, straining emergency services and raising pedestrian risk. Urban residents often complain that no one cares about the rules anymore[8], echoing the broken social contract theme.

In rural zones, two-lane highways and higher speeds amplify crash severity. Overtaking errors cause lethal head-on collisions; driver fatigue and stray livestock create further hazards (UNECA, 2019). Limited lighting compounds nighttime risks. Ambulances may be hours away, meaning injuries escalate into fatalities. Overloaded buses travelling long distances in poor mechanical conditions create a recipe for mass-casualty road accidents.

Urban areas contend with more frequent but often lower-severity collisions, while rural highways see fewer but more deadly road accidents. Solutions must address each context specifically improved traffic management for cities, better highway design and enforcement for rural zones (Møller & Haustein, 2018; Salmon et al., 2018).

6. Policy Recommendations and Best Practices

Addressing the road safety challenge requires a comprehensive approach that integrates law enforcement, technology, infrastructure development, driver education, public awareness, emergency response, and social behaviour reform. This essay explores a range of interventions, distinguishing between short-term and long-term solutions to improve road safety in Zimbabwe.

6.1. Short-Term Interventions

6.1.1. Policy and Anti-Corruption

Effective law enforcement is essential in curbing dangerous driving behaviours. One key intervention is visible policing[9] and highway patrol[10], with regular checkpoints to monitor speed, driving under the influence (DUI), and license validity. Salmon et al. (2018) emphasize the importance of consistent enforcement in tackling the "fatal five[11]" causes of road accidents.

Additionally, introducing a points-based licensing system can deter repeat offenders by swiftly penalizing them through automated record-keeping. Countries like Spain and France have successfully halved road fatalities using such measures (WHO, 2021).

A crucial aspect of enforcement is combating corruption, which undermines road safety policies. The implementation of electronic and cashless fine systems can minimize bribery opportunities. Research by Stanojević et al. (2018) found that unbiased police presence significantly reduced driver aggression and non-compliance.

Technology plays a vital role in enhancing traffic enforcement. Speed and red-light cameras, as seen in Rwanda, have significantly reduced speeding violations (Mesic et al., 2024). The integration of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) provides real-time alerts on congestion and accidents while tracking repeat lawbreakers (Salmon et al., 2018).

Furthermore, vehicle telematics can be encouraged or mandated for commercial fleets to monitor speed and driver performance, ensuring accountability (Abele et al., 2020). This technology not only improves fleet safety but also enhances efficiency in transport management.

6.1.2. Implementing Drone-Based Traffic Monitoring**

A cost-effective yet highly efficient solution is the deployment of drones for traffic monitoring and law enforcement. With the DJI Mavic Mini 3 Fly More Combo priced at approximately $950 per unit[12], Zimbabwe could start with a pilot program of one hundred drones to monitor the most problematic routes in Harare. These drones, capable of flying for around an hour per charge of all three batteries and would be equipped with automated license plate recognition (ALPR) algorithms to identify offenders in real-time.

The system would function with police officers stationed within traffic congestion zones, using drone footage to alert officers up the road for immediate arrests. Moreover, video recordings of infractions would serve as court evidence, ensuring a robust legal framework. To optimize data storage, the drones would be programmed to record only instances of traffic violations. Hefty fines and impounding vehicles would deter repeat offenders. Additionally, funds raised through fines could be reinvested to expand the drone program nationwide.

To successfully implement this initiative, a comprehensive budget is required, covering not only drone procurement but also officer training, algorithm development, and system integration. The estimated total cost for deploying the drone-based traffic enforcement system is approximately USD 495,000, broken down as follows:

· 100 drones (@ USD 950 each) = USD 95,000 (estimated)
· Training 200 officers (@ USD 1,000 per officer) = USD 200,000 (estimated)
· Developing enforcement algorithms & integration with ZINARA = USD 50,000 (estimated)
· Hiring data scientists for system optimization = USD 70,000 (estimated)
· Software engineers for automation and AI-driven analytics = USD 80,000 (estimated)

This estimate accounts for the initial pilot phase, with room for scalability based on operational effectiveness and funding availability. The actual cost may vary due to exchange rate fluctuations, promotional discounts, and potential cost reductions for bulk purchases. Furthermore, partnerships with private sector players or international donors could supplement funding and enhance the sustainability of the program.

6.1.3. Public Awareness and Behaviour Change Campaigns

Raising public awareness through mass media campaigns can reinforce safe driving habits. Radio, TV, and social media can highlight personal crash stories, fostering empathy and responsible driving behaviour (Salmon et al., 2018). Moreover, celebrity endorsements can be leveraged to promote seatbelt use and discourage DUI. Community engagement initiatives, including faith-based interventions, can help foster a culture of courtesy on the roads.

A well-coordinated emergency response system can significantly reduce fatalities. Establishing a national emergency hotline with trained dispatchers ensures swift communication during accidents. Major highways should be equipped with ambulance and trauma networks, with paramedics stationed at intervals for rapid response (UNECA, 2019). Additionally, first-aid training programs for civilians can empower bystanders to provide crucial assistance within the "Golden Hour," thereby improving survival rates (Turowska et al., 2024).

6.2. Long-Term Interventions

6.2.1. Upgrading Road Infrastructure

Infrastructure quality plays a fundamental role in road safety. Road safety audits should be conducted regularly to identify hazards such as potholes, sharp bends, and inadequate signage. Sweden’s Safe System Model highlights how road design can minimize road accidents (Deffenbacher, 2016). Moreover, emergency road rehabilitation should go beyond mere pothole patching by incorporating rumble strips, crash barriers, and wider shoulders to enhance safety. Pedestrian infrastructure in urban areas must also be improved (Møller & Haustein, 2018). Another crucial element is better lighting and road markings, as reflective markers and functional traffic lights significantly reduce nighttime collisions. Zimbabwe can accelerate these efforts through partnerships with private-sector donors and development agencies (Turowska et al., 2024).

6.2.2. Ensuring Vehicle Roadworthiness and Compliance**

Unroadworthy vehicles significantly contribute to road accidents, posing risks to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. To mitigate this issue, Zimbabwe could implement a DEKRA-style vehicle inspection system, ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles are permitted on the roads. This system would mandate roadworthiness renewal every three years for vehicles under 10 years old, every two years for those aged 10 to 20 years, and annually for vehicles older than 20 years. Furthermore, a mandatory inspection upon vehicle ownership transfer would ensure that second-hand cars meet safety standards before registration.

Strict enforcement of mandatory vehicle inspections, aligned with global best practices, would remove defective vehicles from circulation (WHO, 2021). Common mechanical failures such as faulty brakes, worn tyres, and defective lights are major contributors to road accidents, and a structured inspection framework would help eliminate these safety risks. The DEKRA model, which includes basic roadworthy tests, multi-point checks, and comprehensive technical inspections, would enhance compliance and improve overall vehicle safety.

Additionally, strict enforcement of load limits on trucks and buses should be prioritized. Vehicles exceeding legal weight limits pose severe safety risks, contributing to road wear and higher accident rates. Heavier fines and potential license revocations for violators would serve as deterrents, ensuring compliance. Public transport operators with repeated safety violations should face immediate license suspensions to enhance passenger safety and discourage negligence.

To sustain and enhance enforcement efforts, funds generated from inspection fees could be reinvested into speed cameras, road safety awareness campaigns, and infrastructure improvements. This structured system should be managed by ZTSC and ZINARA, ensuring oversight and regulatory compliance. Vehicles failing inspection should be restricted from obtaining license discs until necessary repairs are completed.

By adopting this structured and transparent vehicle inspection framework, Zimbabwe can reduce road fatalities, improve compliance, and create a sustainable funding model for road safety initiatives. This approach will help align the country’s roadworthiness standards with international best practices, ultimately making Zimbabwe’s roads safer for all users.

6.2.3. Rebuilding the Social Contract for Road Safety**

Restoring public trust in the road safety system requires consistency in enforcement. If drivers witness real consequences for violations, compliance will improve. Encouraging small symbolic gestures, such as flashing lights in thanks or giving way to others, can incrementally shift social norms (Lennon et al., 2011). Positive reinforcement mechanisms, such as rewarding safe drivers with insurance discounts or public acknowledgements, can further encourage responsible behaviour. Zimbabwe could adapt such incentive models to promote compliance. Enhancing road safety in Zimbabwe demands a well-rounded strategy encompassing short-term enforcement measures and long-term systemic improvements. By drawing from international best practices and adopting a systems approach, Zimbabwe can significantly reduce road fatalities and foster a culture of responsible driving. Implementing these recommendations requires strong political will, multi-sector collaboration, and sustained commitment to making the country's roads safer for all.

7. Conclusion

Zimbabwe’s road safety crisis is a multifaceted problem that demands urgent attention. The high fatality rate, estimated between 4,700 and 7,000 deaths annually, underscores the severity of the issue. Weak enforcement, unroadworthy vehicles, reckless driving, and a deteriorating social contract contribute to the escalating number of road accidents. The lack of accountability and trust on the roads has normalized dangerous behaviours, making it difficult to implement effective safety measures. If these challenges remain unaddressed, road fatalities will continue to rise, imposing devastating human and economic costs.

A sustainable solution requires a combination of technological advancements, regulatory reforms, and social change. Deploying drones for real-time traffic enforcement can significantly improve compliance by capturing violations, deterring reckless driving, and reducing corruption in law enforcement. This technology offers an efficient, scalable solution to Zimbabwe’s enforcement challenges, ensuring that offenders are held accountable while enhancing transparency in policing. Additionally, implementing a mandatory vehicle inspection system will remove unsafe vehicles from the roads, addressing a key contributor to road accidents. Ensuring that only roadworthy cars operate in Zimbabwe can drastically reduce the number of accidents caused by mechanical failures.

Beyond enforcement and infrastructure, rebuilding the social contract on Zimbabwe’s roads is crucial. Encouraging mutual respect, adherence to traffic laws, and responsible driving behaviour will create a culture of safety. Awareness campaigns, consistent penalties for violations, and rewarding good driving behaviour can shift social norms. By combining technological innovation, stricter regulations, and cultural transformation, Zimbabwe can significantly reduce road fatalities, protect lives, and alleviate the economic burden of road accidents. The time for decisive action is now. Through coordinated efforts, Zimbabwe can reclaim its roads and save lives. We urge policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to commit to these reforms today.

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Disclaimer: This essay is intended for academic and illustrative purposes, drawing on multiple sources to contextualize Zimbabwe’s road safety crisis, including accident frequency, fatality rates, and economic costs.

[1] Zimbabwe, classified as a lower-middle income country, could experience road crash costs comparable to other low- and middle-income nations whose average losses range from about 1.8% to 3.0% of GDP (Wijnen, 2013). Given factors such as inadequate infrastructure, high injury rates, and under-reporting, the percentage for Zimbabwe might lean toward the higher end of this spectrum. By inferring from international findings, particularly from countries with similar economic profiles, a reasonable estimate of the annual GDP loss for Zimbabwe due to road traffic crashes could be about 2.5–3%. This figure underscores the importance of targeted road safety measures to reduce fatalities and associated economic burdens (Wijnen, 2013).

[2] May our brothers and sisters rest in eternal peace.

[3] Zimbabwe could implement a DEKRA-style vehicle inspection system to improve road safety and reduce accidents caused by unroadworthy vehicles. This system would require roadworthiness renewal every three years for vehicles under 10 years old, every two years for those between 10 and 20 years, and annually for vehicles older than 20 years. Additionally, a mandatory inspection should be required upon vehicle ownership transfer to ensure second-hand cars meet safety standards before registration. Currently, mechanical failures such as faulty brakes, worn tires, and defective lights contribute significantly to road accidents. Adopting the DEKRA model, which includes basic roadworthy tests, multi-point checks, and technical inspections, will help eliminate unsafe vehicles. Funds from inspection fees can support speed cameras, road safety awareness campaigns, and infrastructure improvements, enhancing enforcement and compliance. The system should be managed by ZTSC and ZINARA, with vehicles failing inspection restricted from obtaining license discs. By adopting this structured approach, Zimbabwe can reduce road fatalities, enhance compliance, and generate sustainable funding for road safety initiatives.

[4] Kombis are minibus taxis widely used in Zimbabwe as a primary mode of public transport, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. These vehicles, typically Toyota HiAce models amongst other brands, are officially designed to carry between fourteen and eighteen passengers. However, due to lax enforcement and high commuter demand, many kombis frequently exceed their legal capacity, sometimes transporting over twenty passengers. This overloading, combined with reckless driving and poor adherence to traffic regulations, has made kombis a significant contributor to road accidents in Zimbabwe.

[5] We commend the Government of Zimbabwe for enhancing emergency healthcare with the deployment of air ambulances. These helicopters, equipped as flying intensive care units, will save countless lives, especially in remote areas. We also extend our deep appreciation to the Russian Government for this generous donation, demonstrating strong bilateral cooperation. This initiative strengthens Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, ensuring rapid medical response and improved accessibility. As these air ambulances take flight, we celebrate this milestone and encourage continued investment in life-saving infrastructure. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to the well-being of Zimbabweans.

[6] Mushika-shika is an informal and often illegal transport system in Zimbabwe, consisting of unregistered private vehicles that operate as taxis. These vehicles, typically small cars or unlicensed minibuses, provide an alternative to kombis and formal public transport, particularly in high-demand areas. Due to their unregulated nature, mushika-shika drivers often engage in reckless driving, overloading, and unsafe practices to maximize profits. Many operate without proper licenses, insurance, or adherence to road safety laws, making them a major contributor to accidents and traffic congestion. Despite frequent crackdowns by law enforcement, mushika-shika remains popular due to its affordability, flexibility, and availability, especially in areas where formal transport services are limited or unreliable.

[7] Where flouting the rules genuinely leads to consequences. For example, driving on the wrong side of the road leading to a $500 dollar fine that is attached to the car registration such that at the next license renewal the said vehicle will not be able to renew its license unless the fine is paid to the state.

[8] This is merely from the authors observation.

[9] There is a critical need for traffic patrol vehicles, particularly during peak hours, to ensure consistent law enforcement and enhance road safety.

[10] On Zimbabwe’s major highways, dedicated highway patrol units should be deployed to maintain a visible presence and enforce traffic regulations effectively. Priority should be given to high-risk roads with the highest fatality rates, where targeted intervention can have the greatest impact. Securing adequate funding will be essential to procure patrol vehicles, train officers, and ensure a sustainable fuel supply, enabling comprehensive and initiative-taking policing efforts.

[11] 1. Drink and Drug Driving, 2. Distraction and Inattention, 3. Speeding, 4. Fatigue, 5. Failure to Wear a Seatbelt.

[12] The pricing is based on the listing from Drone Gear South Africa, where the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo Plus with Smart Controller is priced at ZAR 16,999. At an exchange rate of USD 1/ZAR 18, this equates to approximately USD 950. However, the final price is subject to fluctuations based on exchange rate variations, promotional discounts, and potential cost reductions for bulk purchases.

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