Staff Reporter
President Mnangagwa has declared the deadly Sebakwe River traffic collision that claimed twelve lives a national disaster, describing it as part of "the needless toll which reckless driving levies on our people and our Nation."
In a press statement issued yesterday, the President expressed his profound grief, saying, “I learnt with a very heavy heart of the horrific traffic collision yesterday in Midlands which claimed twelve innocent lives."
He extended his condolences to bereaved families, stating “May all the bereaved and other affected families find comfort and solace in that our Nation joins and mourns with them in this hour of deep grief and pain."
The President revealed immediate Government intervention, announcing, “I have since directed the responsible arms of my Government to declare this traffic accident a national disaster. This crucial legal step paves the way for Government to move in and take all-round responsibility for the interment of all those who perished in the accident and support to those hospitalised."
While acknowledging Police efforts to implement "high-end technologies for traffic management," President Mnangagwa emphasised that "more still has to be done to arrest the ever-spiralling fatalities we face as a Nation."
He issued a stern warning to reckless drivers, stating, “The duty for safe traffic conduct squarely falls on all road users," while calling on the public to support law enforcement agencies "to tame what in essence has become a traffic jungle."
Transport experts have welcomed the President's strong stance, but demand tougher action.
"The President's characterization of our roads as a 'traffic jungle' is tragically accurate. We need immediate implementation of his proposed technological solutions alongside stiffer penalties, including mandatory 10-year license bans for repeat offenders," said road safety analyst, TinasheMandizvidza.
An employee at the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) who preferred anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media, revealed shocking statistics showing that a number of long-distance buses fail basic roadworthiness tests.
"These mobile coffins must be removed from our roads immediately. The President's declaration should trigger nationwide vehicle inspections," said the VID employee.
Meanwhile, there are calls for Cabinet to fast-track amendments to the Road Traffic Act, including proposed life sentences for drivers causing fatal accidents, while under the influence.
