President Mnangagwa Calls For Tight Traffic Enforcement After Crash

His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic road accident that occurred on 22 July at Manyame Bridge along Seke Road in Chitungwiza, which claimed 17 lives.

In a powerful condolence message, the President described the accident as horrific and unacceptable, highlighting the urgent need for a national response to the rising toll of road carnage.

“The crash painfully reminds us as a nation of the multiple hazards that continue to stalk our roads,” said the President, calling for decisive action against reckless driving and poor enforcement of traffic laws. He stressed that current efforts have failed to prevent such tragedies and announced a shift toward “more robust measures that deliver results.”

President Mnangagwa directed all government institutions, including traffic enforcement agencies and the courts, to align in a unified crackdown on lawlessness on the roads. He made it clear that dangerous driving must now carry consequences that far outweigh any perceived benefits, declaring, “The time has now come to raise the stakes.”

The President declared the Manyame crash a National Disaster, paving the way for government support towards hospital bills for the injured and funeral assistance for the deceased.

“I condole with all the bereaved families and wish those hospitalised a speedy recovery,” he added.

Meanwhile, organisations and leaders have continued to pour out condolence messages. The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) expressed deep concern, stating, “This tragedy is yet another painful reminder of the urgent need for coordinated efforts to improve road safety and driver accountability in our country.”

Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma said, “As a community, we are devastated. Our hearts go out to the affected families, and we fully support the declaration of a national disaster to ensure they receive the help they deserve.”

ZANU-PF, through its Harare Province Chairperson Cde Goodwills Masimirembwa, also extended condolences: “This was a heartbreaking loss of innocent lives. The party stands with the families and supports the President’s call for tougher measures to restore discipline and safety on our roads.”