By Patience Gondo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an intensive nationwide awareness campaign ahead of the school holiday and 2025 festive season, warning parents, travellers and transport operators to prioritise safety as millions prepare to move around the country.
In a statement on Friday ZRP spokesperson Senior Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the campaign aims to curb road carnage and clamp down on criminal activities that traditionally spike during the festive period.
Nyathi said police officers will be deployed across national, provincial and district levels to monitor traffic, engage transporters and ensure the smooth movement of travellers.
“As schools close for the holiday and the country moves towards the 2025 festive season, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has officially launched the festive season campaign to ensure road safety and curtail criminal activities in communities,” said Nyathi .
The warning comes as Zimbabwe typically records increased accidents during holiday periods, often linked to speeding, overloading, night travel and unroadworthy vehicles used for long distances.
Last year’s festive season saw a surge in fatal crashes, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and public vigilance.
ZRP said parents and school authorities to take extra precautions when arranging transport for pupils, saying that only certified vehicles should be used and that travelling at night should be avoided.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges Zimbabweans to cooperate with deployed officers and report errant drivers for the law to take its course,” said Nyathi.
The police said they would provide continuous updates on deployments and festive season operations, including road safety campaigns, anti-crime patrols and intensified highway monitoring.
Police said citizens should immediately report reckless driving and criminal behaviour through the police hotline (0242) 703 631 or WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.
The festive season safety campaign has become an annual effort by law enforcement as Zimbabwe faces growing traffic volumes, cross-border travel increases, and heightened economic activity during December.