The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Felix Mhona, has issued a urgent appeal to motorists to prioritize safety on the roads as schools reopen for the first term on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The call comes in the wake of a tragic festive season, which saw 100 people lose their lives in accidents between December 15 and 26, 2025, with a further 471 sustaining injuries.
Minister Mhona attributes the majority of these accidents to preventable causes, including unroadworthy vehicles, reckless speeding, driver fatigue, and dangerous decisions such as crossing flooded rivers. To prevent such tragedies, the Minister is calling on motorists to take responsibility for their actions and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and properly maintained.
“I urge drivers to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and roadworthy, to rest adequately before journeys, and to avoid defective vehicles that put lives at risk,” said Minister Mhona. He emphasized that road safety is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation, with drivers responsible for the safety of their passengers.
The Minister’s appeal is backed by enforcement agencies, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Traffic Safety Council, and Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), which have intensified joint enforcement and awareness campaigns to promote road safety. Motorists are urged to be cautious on the country’s roads, particularly with schools reopening and increased traffic expected.
“Drivers have a responsibility to ensure passengers arrive at their destinations safely,” Minister Mhona reiterated. “We urge all motorists to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents.”
