By Chantelle Muzanrnhamo
Harare-The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced plans to deploy drones across Harare as part of a broader initiative to combat traffic violations and restore order to the city’s increasingly congested roads.
The introduction of drone technology is set to complement the recently launched Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS), which has already shown promising results in identifying and penalizing common traffic offences.
The ETMS, which utilizes surveillance cameras strategically positioned around the city, has flagged over 290 motorists for violations such as illegal drop-offs, reckless lane creation, driving against traffic, ignoring road signs, and operating public transport vehicles without proper licenses.
The addition of drones aims to expand enforcement capabilities by covering larger areas and providing real-time monitoring from a distance.
Speaking about the new initiative, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi explained that drones based at Harare Central Police Station will be used to identify offending drivers from as far as 20 kilometers away.
“It is not just a unique system which is working in isolation. It is also integrated into the drone facility, which the Zimbabwe Public Police has introduced. Now, we have drones at Harare Central Police Station capable of monitoring from 5km, 10km, up to 20km away,” he stated.
Nyathi highlighted that the drones will enable police to oversee key areas such as Market Square, Rotten Row, Harare Exhibition Park (Showgrounds), and other parts of the city from a central point.
“While the drones are stationed at Harare Central, they can monitor activities at various locations across the city, including the busy CBD, major intersections, and public spaces,” he added.
The police spokesperson emphasized that this technological integration aims not only to catch offenders but also to improve overall traffic flow and re-establish order in Harare’s chaotic central business district.
“The combination of drones and electronic surveillance will make traffic enforcement more effective, ensuring better management of city traffic and enhancing public safety,” Nyathi explained.