Zim’s deadly transport crisis: Corruption, chaos, and a system in ruins

KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI

As road fatalities surge across Zimbabwe, a familiar cycle of blame and inaction unfolds.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the crisis a national disaster, yet corruption and inefficiency continue to undermine real solutions.

While officials talk tough, bribery thrives, unregistered vehicles flood the streets, and safety takes a backseat—leaving countless lives at risk.

From Harare to Bulawayo, corruption runs deep, tainting every level of Zimbabwe’s transport system—from driver licensing to law enforcement. The once-outspoken rhetoric from senior officials has faded, replaced by routine extortion at roadblocks and vehicle inspection offices.

A Business Times investigation revealed that motorists routinely pay bribes as low as US$5 to US$10 to bypass police checks—a practice that has become dangerously normalized.

A local driver admitted, “In Zimbabwe, you need your US$5. I’ve been operating without a license for years, just paying off the police.”

Another driver added, “At roadblocks, police ask about fire extinguishers and reflectors, but in the end, all they want is money.”

Public frustration boiled over when social media influencer Hatiperii, a designer, sparked outrage by posting a photo of crumpled US$5 and US$10 notes captioned: “This has been my license for years.”

The post ignited fierce debate, with some condemning the message while others acknowledged the harsh reality. One Facebook user questioned, “What are you teaching your followers?”

Another responded, “Even with proper documents, you still need that extra five dollars to pass through a roadblock.”

Despite the backlash, some defended certain roadblocks, arguing that not all police officers engage in corruption. A user noted, “The Marondera roadblock is genuine. If you’re in the wrong, you face the consequences.”

Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi admitted the government is struggling to control the flood of unregistered vehicles. He revealed that in Harare alone, nearly 16,000 kombis operate, yet only about 3,000 are officially registered.

The rest evade regulation, exploiting loopholes and thriving under a culture of bribery.

“Every accident forces the government to dig deeper into its pockets,” Nyathi explained.

“They take money, pocket it, and provide no safety for Zimbabweans. Roads need maintenance, police need proper salaries—so where is the money going? Then people blame the government for not delivering services.”

Nyathi insisted that there would be no compromise on law enforcement.

“There’s no going back on enforcing the law. Kombi operators must register and operate legally—if you break the law, you pay the fine, no exceptions.”

Despite the growing number of roadblocks, corruption ensures unregistered vehicles still dominate Zimbabwe’s roads.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona has pledged tougher penalties for reckless drivers and announced plans for a Road Accident Fund to support victims’ families.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, addressing recent tragedies, vowed to implement new safety measures.

“We are deeply sorry for the tragedy and will assess how to slow down traffic. Innovative solutions like smart traffic light systems could help prevent accidents at critical intersections. The installation of roundabouts in high-risk areas could also curb speeding and reduce collisions,” he said.

With corruption entrenched in Zimbabwe’s transport system, the government’s promises ring hollow for many.

Until authorities prioritize genuine enforcement over bribe-taking, unlicensed drivers will continue to roam freely, road deaths will keep climbing, and Zimbabweans will pay the ultimate price.

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