By Patience Gondo and Rex Mphisa
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe on Friday rolled out a coordinated road safety awareness campaign in Beitbridge, targeting motorists and passengers with life-saving information aimed at reducing road traffic accidents.
The campaign saw three teams, led by senior police officers, deployed to key points including the Beitbridge Border Post, Dulivhadzimu Bus Terminus, and major highways leading into and out of the border town.
The initiative focused on direct engagement with road users through educational interactions.
Speaking during the exercise, Beitbridge District Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube said the campaign was designed to promote responsible behaviour among all road users.
“We are engaging motorists and passengers alike, encouraging them to exercise extreme caution on the roads,” said Ncube. “Drivers must remain sober, avoid driving while fatigued, and adhere to all road regulations. Those without personal vehicles should opt for registered public transport, which is generally safer.”
Ncube, who led a team along the busy Beitbridge–Harare highway, said the police were shifting from enforcement to education in a bid to build a culture of safety.
“Our roadblocks are not only about enforcement but education. We are also empowering passengers to play their part by reporting reckless drivers and avoiding unregistered private vehicles,” he said.
He warned that the use of private cars for public transport exposes passengers to serious risks, including lack of compensation in the event of accidents.
“Private vehicles can be dangerous as they may be operated by unqualified drivers or even criminals. In the event of an accident, passengers may not receive any compensation,” Ncube added.
Along the Harare highway, the awareness teams interacted with pilgrims travelling for Easter holidays, as well as travellers entering the country from South Africa.
The Police noted increased traffic volumes during the period, heightening the need for vigilance.
At the Beitbridge Border Post, Superintendent Philisani Ndebele led another team, dispelling common misconceptions about road accidents during holiday seasons.
“Seasons do not cause accidents. The road remains the same throughout the year. It is the excitement and negligence of drivers and passengers during holidays that lead to fatal crashes,” said Ndebele.
He also cautioned travellers against engaging in informal currency exchanges at the border, warning that they risk being defrauded.
“Travellers should use official channels and avoid changing money on the streets, as they may be given counterfeit currency,” he said.
Road Traffic Safety Educator Babongile Moyo reinforced the message, urging motorists to avoid alcohol and ensure all passengers wear seat belts at all times.
Passengers welcomed the initiative, saying it not only raised awareness but also gave them confidence to speak out against unsafe driving practices.
The campaign comes as the Police intensify efforts to curb road carnage, particularly during peak travel periods, through a combination of enforcement, education and community involvement.
As of April 2, 2026, Northbound N1 traffic toward Beitbridge experienced heavy congestion, with 1,652 vehicles recorded in a single hour between Phumulani and Carousel toll plazas of South Africa.
Most of these cars travelled to Limpopo Province with a large percentage proceeding to Zimbabwe.
Authorities at the SA and Zimbabwe borders implemented joint, harmonised clearance systems to manage high Easter volumes and reduce delays.
Some travellers headed for Chief Dakamela traditional festival appreciated the ZRP and the Traffic Safety Board even asking the teams to pose for pictures with them.
“They made us feel welcome, feel at home and this is unusual,” said one of the travellers to Chief Dakamela.
The police and Zimbabwe Traffic Safety Board education at Beitbridge came in the background of a fatal crash in Masvingo which wiped an entire young family of six during a head on collission.