TSCZ, police join hands to curb Easter carnage
POLICE has urged motorists in Manicaland to exercise extreme caution on the road to curb road carnage during Easter holidays.
The police, together with Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) and their partners, have intensified road safety campaigns across the province in a bid to ensure that the festive mood is not disturbed by road accidents.
TSCZ on Wednesday launched the official national campaign, targeting motorists to reduce road carnage in the wake of the impending Easter holidays.
The TSCZ launch was officiated by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Honourable Felix Mhona.
This year’s Easter holidays commence today (Good Friday) and ends on Monday, April 1.
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and it is during this period when Christians mark the holidays in prayer and festivities.
It is also a period where some people travel to their respective rural homes, while others visit each other and holiday resorts to unwind and refresh.
Incidences of road carnage usually increase during the holidays as some motorist drive recklessly, while others will overload their vehicles or drive under the influence of alcohol.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said they will be implementing various measures to curb speeding and other road offences.
He said all unroadworthy vehicles will not be allowed to pass at police roadblocks along the highways and other roads.
The police will be working in partnership with Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.
“We urge motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads during this Easter holidays. It is imperative for motorists to desist from speeding, avoid drunk driving and ensure that their vehicles are in proper condition.
“We continue to fight road carnage and are also urging commuters to desist from boarding illegal transport like mushikashika. They should board registered public transport,” he said.
This week Manicaland commenced the provincial campaign in Mutare and other areas conscientising motorists and commuters on road safety and how to reduce road carnage.
In a statement, TSCZ said they will be holding the operation from March 27 to April 3.
“In Manicaland there will be five teams — three of them will be static in major highways across the province, while two will be on patrol in areas such as Mutare-Vumba and Mutare up to Headlands. Those static will be along Mutare-Masvingo Highway as well as in Watsomba and Shamhu Business Centre.
Commuters are urged to board registered public transport and avoid mushikashika, which is an illegal form of transport. Drivers are urged to desist from drinking and driving. They should fasten their seat belts and avoid overloading vehicles,” it reads.