Open letter to police boss Matanga
Dear Police CommissionerGeneral,
IHOPE this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the alarming increase in reckless driving, the rise in road traffic accidents and the apparent absence of traffic officers on our streets. As the Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, I kindly request your immediate attention and action to address these critical issues in the interest of public safety and upholding the principles outlined in the Police Charter.
In recent months, the frequency of reckless driving incidents has reached unprecedented levels. It is disheartening to witness motorists flouting traffic laws, engaging in dangerous driving behaviour and showing complete disregard for the lives and safety of fellow road users. These reckless actions not only endanger innocent lives but also erode public trust in law enforcement.
Equally concerning is the apparent scarcity of traffic officers on our roads. The presence of traffic officers is vital in enforcing traffic regulations, deterring violations and maintaining order on our streets. However, their absence has become increasingly noticeable, allowing reckless driving to go unchecked and exacerbating the risk of accident.
To address these pressing issues, I urgently request the ZRP to undertake the following actions:
Increase traffic officer deployment: Deploy additional traffic officers to high-risk areas known for reckless driving, traffic violations and accidents. The increased presence will serve as a deterrent and ensure compliance with road safety regulations. Strengthen traffic law enforcement: Implement stringent measures for traffic law enforcement, including regular patrols, strict monitoring of traffic violations and appropriate penalties for offenders. This will send a clear message that reckless driving will not be tolerated.
Enhance public awareness: Launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate motorists and the general public about the importance of responsible driving, adherence to traffic rules and the consequences of reckless behaviour. These campaigns can be conducted through various channels, including the media, social media platforms and community engagement.
Collaboration with stakeholders: Foster collaboration with relevant stakeholders, such as road safety organisations, educational institutions and community groups, to collectively address the issue of reckless driving. This collaborative effort will help to raise awareness, instil a sense of responsibility and promote safe driving practices.
I firmly believe that by taking prompt and decisive action in these areas, the Zimbabwe Republic Police can significantly contribute to reducing road accidents, ensuring public safety, and restoring public trust in law enforcement efforts.
I kindly request that you keep me informed of the steps being taken to address this urgent matter. Additionally, if there are any specific channels or contacts through which I can provide further information or support, please do not hesitate to inform me.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue Commissioner-General. I trust in your commitment to upholding the principles of the Police Charter and fulfilling the mandate of the ZRP.
Together, we can make our roads safes and protect the lives of all citizens.