The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide operation targeting motorists and vehicle-related activities that contribute to traffic congestion, road accidents and obstruction of traffic, as authorities intensify efforts to improve road safety.
Dubbed “Operation Safe Corridor,” the operation commenced on August 31, 2026, and is targeting traffic violations and vehicle activities in Central Business Districts (CBDs), major roads, highways and surrounding areas.
In a statement, ZRP Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation would particularly target broken-down vehicles that are left unattended on roads without proper warning signs, posing a danger to other road users.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a comprehensive operation dubbed ‘Safe Corridor’, targeting traffic violations and vehicle activities that cause congestion, chaos, road accidents and obstruct the smooth flow of traffic on the roads, within Central Business Districts and surrounding areas in the country,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
He said some motorists were failing to comply with road safety requirements after their vehicles broke down, with others using inappropriate objects instead of approved reflective red triangles.
“The operation, which commenced on 31st August 2026, 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,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi warned motorists against using tree branches, stones, boulders or other objects as substitutes for reflective triangles, saying the practice violated road safety requirements.
“Some drivers or motorists are using tree branches, stones, boulders or other objects as reflective red triangles after breakdowns, this is against the country’s laws and road safety measures. The objects are not even removed from the roads after vehicles have been moved,” he said.
The operation will also target motorists who park at undesignated points, pick up passengers in CBDs and operators of heavy transit vehicles who fail to use designated routes.
“Some of the broken down vehicles are causing chaos and congestion in Central Business Districts and residential areas during traffic peak hours.
On the other hand, some motorists are parking vehicles at undesignated points or pick passengers within Central Business Districts thereby obstructing the smooth flow of traffic,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
He said heavy vehicle operators were also contributing to congestion and accidents by failing to consistently use designated routes.
“Vehicles found to be in violation of the law will be impounded and will only be released upon completion of the requisite clearance procedures and compliance with the relevant legal requirements,” he said.
Nyathi added that vehicle owners would bear the costs of removing broken-down vehicles from roads by police, Government departments or local authorities.
The ZRP urged motorists to cooperate with officers and report vehicles obstructing traffic through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or at the nearest police station.
