By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) vehicle was involved in a collision with a train on Tuesday afternoon in Gweru, after the officer behind the wheel allegedly failed to stop at a level crossing.
The incident has raised concerns over adherence to railway safety protocols among law enforcement officers and the general public.
According to a statement released by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) on Tuesday evening, the mishap occurred near the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) area in Gweru. The vehicle involved was a ZRP Mahindra truck, which was struck by a train wagon during the incident.
The NRZ attributed the collision to the police officer’s failure to adhere to standard traffic regulations.
“The incident occurred when the police officer driving the vehicle failed to stop at the level crossing as required by the rules,” the statement read.
This event marks the second such incident involving a police vehicle this year. The NRZ pointed out that a similar collision was recorded in January, involving a police-driven Ford Ranger, underscoring ongoing safety concerns at railway crossings.
The rail operator issued a firm reminder to all drivers, emphasizing the importance of respecting level crossing protocols.
“We urge all drivers, including police officers, to exercise extreme caution at road/rail crossings. Always come to a complete stop, check for approaching trains, and proceed with caution. Never attempt to race a train,” the NRZ stated.
Meanwhile, media sources reported that there were two police officers inside the Mahindra truck at the time of the crash. However, details regarding their condition or the identity of the officers have not been disclosed. The Zimbabwe Republic Police had not issued an official statement by the time of publication.
This incident highlights the critical need for strict compliance with railway crossing rules to prevent further accidents and ensure safety for all road users. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.