BULAWAYO police have issued a stern warning to motorists following a spike in road traffic accidents that claimed the lives of two people and left 20 others injured in the past week.
In a statement yesterday, provincial spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said 94 accidents were recorded over the period, raising serious concerns about road safety amid ongoing rains.
“Two people have passed away following motor vehicle accidents. Twenty others were injured and taken to hospitals, while a total of 94 accidents were recorded this week,” she said.
Inspector Msebele urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, particularly on wet roads and warned against speeding and reckless behaviour.
“The rains have fallen. Let us travel with great caution on the roads. Let us move with care; do not rush just for the sake of arriving,” she said.
Msebele stressed that patience and consideration can prevent accidents.
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“Let us be patient with one another. Let us travel safely because, in the end, families are left suffering. People are dying and entering into mourning because of incidents,” she added.
Msebele also expressed concern over rising traffic regulation violations committed by commuter omnibus (kombi) drivers, particularly in congested areas. She cited a recent incident at the busy intersection of 3rd Avenue and Bash Street, where a kombi driver allegedly stopped the vehicle in the middle of traffic to drop off passengers, blocking other vehicles.
“Today I rebuked a kombi driver severely. In the midst of congestion, you want to stop right there to drop off passengers. What kind of bad habit is that?”
Msebele emphasised that stopping at junctions is both dangerous and unlawful, particularly on narrow roads already struggling with traffic flow.
“Think of other people. Do not drive only your own car; consider the one in front of you, the one behind you and those beside you,” she said.
She further highlighted congestion along Robert Mugabe Way, caused by drivers who ignore traffic laws.
“This results in unnecessary traffic congestion because of our selfishness. Let us avoid such things that cause congestion on our roads. We must be law-abiding as we go about our daily activities. Together, we can reduce accidents,” Msebele said.