Law For Some? Outcry Over Unlicensed Security Officials Driving Freely Past Roadblocks

By Shingirai Vambe

Harare- Zimbabwe recorded a decline in road traffic accidents during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the last four months of 2024, according to the latest Transport Statistics Report released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat).

The report shows that 12 808 road traffic accidents were recorded between January and March 2025, a 12,5% decrease from the 14 640 accidents reported in the fourth quarter of 2024. Fatal accidents also dropped by 15,5%, from 449 to 378, while the number of deaths fell from 550 to 464, representing a 15,6% decrease.

ZimStat attributed much of the improvement to increased awareness campaigns and better enforcement measures. However, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) notes that human error remains the cause of around 90% of road accidents.

Despite the positive statistics, there are growing concerns over lawlessness, selective enforcement, and abuse of privilege on Zimbabwe’s roads, particularly by members of the security services and senior government officials.

Reports indicate that some police officers and security details are operating vehicles without valid driver’s licenses, yet they pass through roadblocks unchallenged by merely presenting their work identification. In one incident in Macheke, a police officer failed to notice that a driver’s police ID was not his own, and that he had no valid driver’s license, but still allowed him to continue his journey from Mutare to Harare.

Security details attached to the presidium and other high-ranking officials have also been involved in road traffic accidents, with victims often reluctant to pursue justice due to fear of work, political influence and lack of accountability.

Responding to these concerns, Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi told The Post on Sunday that, “The law is the law. Police officers or members of the security services who break the law will face the consequences, just like any other citizen. The public is implored to come forward and report any police checkpoint allowing officers or government officials to pass after flouting road rules and regulations.”

Critics argue that such selective treatment at roadblocks, where new and high-end vehicles often driven by government officials pass without scrutiny, undermines the rule of law and public trust. Former Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa earlier commented that government officials must “lead by example as public servants, not act as untouchable bosses.”

TSCZ spokesperson Lucy Kuwandira urged all drivers, regardless of rank or status, to ensure they are fully licensed and competent before taking to the road.

“Driving without proper documentation puts lives at risk,” Kuwandira said. “We encourage motorists to hold a valid driver’s licence and a defensive driving certificate. If you are in no condition to drive, hire a designated driver for your safety and that of other road users.”

While statistics show a decline in accidents, road safety advocates warn that without strict and equal enforcement of the law, the culture of impunity will continue to cost lives, no matter what the quarterly figures say.

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