Source: Police crack down on overloaded kombis – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified its crackdown on reckless public transport operators, warning commuter omnibus drivers and transporters against overloading vehicles and endangering passengers’ lives.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said operators found violating road traffic regulations would face arrest as police move to enforce compliance with road safety laws.
“The ZRP warns public service vehicle operators and transporters against overloading and carrying luggage, goods and passengers beyond the stipulated capacity,” he said.
“This compromises the safety of other travellers and contributes to road accidents. Mapurisa haabvumidze zvakadaro. You will be arrested.”
Comm Nyathi also confirmed the arrest of a Harare-Mutoko kombi driver, Michael Kutukwa Carrington (27), for several traffic offences linked to unsafe public transport operations.
He said the suspect was arrested for insecure loading, overloading, carrying excess passengers, operating without a Certificate of Fitness, reckless driving and failing to meet legal requirements for PSV operators.
“The driver did not have the mandatory five years’ driving experience required to operate a public service vehicle and also did not possess a defensive driving certificate as required by law,” said Comm Nyathi.
He said the kombi plies the Harare-Mutoko route and warned that reckless driving and disregard for road regulations continue to contribute to fatal accidents on the country’s roads.
Comm Nyathi urged transport operators to prioritise passenger safety and comply with traffic laws to help reduce road carnage.
“No to reckless driving on the roads,” he said.
The latest warning comes amid growing concern over increasing road traffic accidents involving commuter omnibuses and haulage trucks, particularly along major highways linking Harare with other provinces.
Police have repeatedly blamed speeding, overloading, defective vehicles and human error for most road accidents recorded in the country.
In recent years, Government and law enforcement agencies have intensified road safety campaigns, introduced stricter traffic enforcement measures and increased police roadblocks in a bid to curb fatalities on the roads.
Police have also been conducting nationwide operations targeting unregistered vehicles, pirate taxis, unlicensed drivers and public transport operators flouting road regulations.
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