ZRP declares war on road chaos

Broken-down vehicles left to rot on highways, tree branches masquerading as warning signals and reckless parking that strangles peak-hour traffic—the Zimbabwe Republic Police has had enough.

Effective 31 August 2026, a sweeping operation dubbed “Safe Corridor” is now in full force, targeting motorists whose negligence turns roads into death traps and city centres into parking lots.

National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi delivered a stark warning to offending drivers-the era of impunity ends now.

Commissioner Nyathi said the operation specifically targets vehicles breaking down along highways, major roads and Central Business Districts that are left unattended for extended periods “without displaying red reflective triangles”

“Motorists using tree branches, stones, boulders or other objects as makeshift warning devices a practice against the country’s laws and road safety measures.

“Drivers who fail to remove such objects from roads even after vehicles have been moved.”

He said vehicles causing “chaos and congestion in Central Business Districts and residential areas during traffic peak hours will be brought to book.

“Motorists parking vehicles at undesignated points or pick passengers within Central Business Districts thereby obstructing the smooth flow of traffic will face the wrath of the law.”

“The operation is targeting, among others, vehicles which are breaking down along highways, major roads and Central Business Districts, with some left unattended for extended periods while not displaying red reflective triangles. This poses a danger to other road users and increases the risk of road traffic accidents in the country,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

“Vehicle owners will be made to meet the cost of any broken-down vehicle removed from the roads by the Police, Government Departments and local authorities,” he warned.