For several years, the treasury struggled with inflation, trying different solutions that didn’t work. The situation only improved when the government decided to enforce laws and arrest money changers after introducing a new currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG). As a result, inflation began to decline.
The public is still celebrating the stability of the new currency and is urging the government to continue arresting money changers. This success is a direct result of enforcing the law.
In a similar way, even if the government introduces mandatory retesting for drivers, requiring everyone to start from scratch or making driver’s licenses expire after a few years, these measures won’t reduce traffic accidents unless the law is strictly enforced.
Currently, many combis (minibusses), buses, and mushikashikas (illegal taxis) pass through roadblocks while overloading passengers without being stopped, cautioned, or fined. Dangerous driving, such as speeding and overloading, has become common because there is no one to penalize or arrest these drivers.
Drivers of combis and mushikashikas often break the law willingly because they have nothing to fear. Sometimes, they drive vehicles owned by police officers or government officials, which gives them additional protection.
Unfortunately, some law enforcement agents are reluctant to do their jobs properly. Some even accept bribes from operators, allowing them to continue working illegally.
To ensure the safety of travelers, the law must be enforced. Some police officers have told this publication that it feels pointless to arrest offenders because the laws are weak and not strict enough to make offenders worry.
If this is the case, then traffic laws need to be reviewed and strengthened.
