Motorists warned to comply with police
MOTORISTS have been urged to comply with traffic police manning traffic lights to save lives and time.
The call was made following an increase in the number of road traffic accidents recorded in the Central Business District (CBD) that left some traffic police officers injured.
Four people, including a traffic cop, were rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals on Wednesday following an accident at an intersection.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, said motorists should slow down whenever approaching traffic lights and obey officers controlling traffic.
“Police have noted with concern an increasing number of road traffic accidents recorded in the CBD. A number of such motorists involve mushikashika vehicles where drivers willy-nilly disregard road traffic rules and regulations.
“On February 1 at around 6.50am, a serious road traffic accident involving a member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police occurred at corner Bishop Gaul and Samora Machel Avenue,” said Insp Chakanza.
“One passenger was injured when Joe Nokutenda, 17, who was driving a Nissan Caravan registration with nine passengers on board, hit a traffic police officer manning the point after Elvis Gatsi, 46, driving a Toyota Runx turned in front of Joe's vehicle.
“Elvis had three passengers on board and one was injured. Motorists are expected to respect the sanctity of life and respect other motorists on roads. We also urge motorists to comply with police officers manning intersections even though some traffic lights will be working.
“Traffic officers are there to minimise traffic jams, accidents and save lives and time for them to reach their destinations safely,” said Insp Chakanza.
In another mishap, one traffic cop was hit by a commuter omnibus when the driver failed to stop along Samora Machel Avenue last night.