Corruption and Unqualified Drivers Behind Rising Carnage

By Enia Dube

Members of Parliament have sounded the alarm on widespread corruption within the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), citing it as a major contributor to the country’s escalating road carnage.

Hon. Musanhi, during his contribution to the Report on Road Carnages in Zimbabwe, highlighted the alarming rates of unqualified drivers, bribery, and compromised licensing processes, which are putting public safety at risk.

The concerns raised by MPs underscore the urgent need for stronger oversight, accountability, and reforms within the VID to restore integrity in the licensing system and enhance road safety nationwide.

Corruption within the VID has led to unqualified drivers getting behind the wheel, with some allegedly paying bribes to obtain licenses. This has resulted in an increased risk of accidents, putting innocent lives at risk.

In response to these concerns, the government has announced plans to strip the VID of its highway patrol and inspection powers, limiting it to conducting vehicle inspections at designated depots only.

The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) is set to be transformed into a Road Traffic Safety Authority, with expanded powers to stop and inspect vehicles, issue tickets, investigate accidents, and conduct road infrastructure audits.

Transport Minister Felix Mhona has emphasized that road safety remains a national priority, and efforts are being made to modernize enforcement and curb the rising road-fatality burden.

The government has introduced new measures, including advanced brake-testing systems, police breathalysers, and stricter driver licensing regimes, to improve road safety.

While these efforts are commendable, many are calling for more drastic measures to address the corruption and incompetence within the VID. As Hon. Musanhi aptly put it, “The matter underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight, accountability, and reforms within the VID to restore integrity in the licensing system and enhance road safety nationwide.”