Silethemba Mlauzi
Bulawayo – The Zimbabwean government has announced new restrictions targeting kombi (minibus) operations to bolster road safety. Effective September 3, 2024, all 26-seater kombis and smaller vehicles will be restricted to a 60-kilometer operational radius.
In a statement from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Minister FT Mhona highlighted that these measures are in response to the high frequency of road traffic accidents involving kombis. “We urge all commuters traveling beyond the 60 km radius to use transport services offered by high-capacity buses,” Mhona said. “Buses are more predictable, reliable, comfortable, and provide greater leg and baggage space for long-distance journeys.”
Alongside the radius limitations, the government has mandated that all kombis within this 60 km zone must be equipped with speed limiting and monitoring devices, as specified in Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023. The Ministry has directed inspection officers to ensure that no kombi operator, driver, or owner is granted a certificate of fitness unless both devices are installed.
The government has also expressed concern over kombis and unauthorized vehicles (mushika-shika) picking up and dropping off passengers at non-designated points, which contributes to road damage. The Ministry has urged law enforcement to strictly enforce these regulations and ensure all public service vehicles adhere to designated bus stops.
Minister Mhona emphasized the crucial need for road safety and urged all stakeholders—including motorists, transport operators, and passengers—to remain vigilant against road traffic violations. “Over speeding, overloading, and the use of unroadworthy vehicles are serious offenses,” he stated. “Drivers and transport operators will be held accountable for such actions.”
The Ministry has called for a collaborative effort from all traffic law enforcement agencies, road safety advocates, motorists, and road users to combat road fatalities. Through these measures, the government aims to enhance road safety and reduce the number of traffic accidents in Zimbabwe.
