The Honorable Felix Mhona Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development – Harare, Zimbabwe

Dear Honorable Felix Mhona,

Subject: Urgent Call for Stricter Bus Driver Reckless Driving Penalties Zimbabwe

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent surge in bus accidents in Zimbabwe, which have tragically resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. These accidents are primarily caused by reckless driving, overspeeding, and blatant disregard for traffic laws by bus drivers. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address this issue and ensure the safety of all road users through stricter Reckless Driving Penalties in Zimbabwe.

The current penalties for reckless driving are clearly insufficient in deterring such behavior. To protect the lives of Zimbabwean citizens, I propose the following legislative changes:

1. Stiffer Penalties: Introduce harsher penalties for bus drivers who violate traffic laws, including significant fines, license suspensions, and mandatory jail time for those found guilty of causing fatalities.
2. Child Support for Surviving Dependents: Implement a law that requires drivers responsible for the death of a parent to provide financial support to the surviving dependents. This will ensure that the families of victims receive the necessary financial assistance to cope as a result of their loss.
3. Increased Enforcement: Strengthen the enforcement of existing traffic laws by increasing the number of traffic police officers and implementing regular checks on bus companies to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate both drivers and the public about the importance of road safety and the severe consequences of reckless driving. I am happy to volunteer my services minister in service of my beautiful country to ensure that this part is executed effectively.
5. Mandatory Training for Bus Drivers: Require all bus drivers to PERIODICALLY undergo comprehensive training on safe driving practices, traffic laws, and emergency response procedures.

To support this proposal, I would like to highlight successful examples from other countries where similar measures have been implemented with positive results:

• Australia: Australia has stringent penalties for reckless driving, including imprisonment for severe offenses. This has contributed to a significant reduction in road accidents and fatalities. According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), road fatalities in Australia have decreased by 10.4% over the past decade. The most notable reductions were observed in New South Wales (down 20.1%) and South Australia (down 33.5%). These measures have been effective in promoting safer driving behaviors and reducing the number of road trauma incidents.
• Canada: Canada imposes strict entry restrictions for individuals with reckless driving convictions, ensuring that those who pose a risk to public safety are held accountable. A reckless driving conviction in the US can be considered equivalent to “dangerous operation of a motor vehicle” in Canada, which is punishable by up to ten years imprisonment. This means that individuals with such convictions may be deemed criminally inadmissible to Canada for life unless they obtain a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation. The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has stringent measures in place to detect and prevent the entry of individuals with serious driving offenses.
• United Kingdom: The UK has implemented comprehensive road safety legislation, which includes strict penalties for speeding and reckless driving. This has led to a decrease in road traffic injuries and fatalities. According to the Department for Transport, reported road casualties in Great Britain have shown a downward trend over the years. For example, the provisional figures for the year ending June 2024 indicate a reduction in road casualties compared to previous years. The UK’s road safety measures, such as the introduction of fixed penalty notices for careless driving offenses and educational interventions for serious driving offenders, have contributed to this positive trend.
• United States: Recently, the US introduced a law that requires child support to be provided to surviving dependents. This new legislation aims to ensure that children who have lost a parent are financially supported by the offender or offender’s employer through their insurance coverage. The law mandates that child support payments continue until the child reaches the age of majority or completes their education, whichever comes later. This measure is intended to provide stability and security for children who have experienced the loss of a parent as a result of reckless drivers and total disregard for traffic laws.

In Zimbabwe, the situation is dire. According to recent reports, there have been numerous bus accidents this year alone, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries. For instance, on February 13, 2025, a tragic accident occurred near the Lutumba tollgate in Beitbridge, where a head-on collision between an Urban Connect bus and a commercial truck claimed 24 lives and left over 30 people injured. This is just one of many incidents that highlight the urgent need for action.

The economic impact of these accidents is also substantial. Transport operators in Zimbabwe are losing an average of 300 buses annually due to road traffic accidents. This not only affects the livelihoods of bus drivers and their families but also places a significant strain on the government’s resources as it tries to provide social support to the victims’ families.

It is crucial you, on behalf of all Zimbabweans, take immediate action in Parliament to address this pressing issue. The lives of countless citizens are at stake, and we cannot afford to delay implementing these necessary changes. I urge you to consider this proposal seriously and take swift action to protect the safety and well-being of all Zimbabweans.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and action.

Sincerely,

Khumz,
Concerned Parent & Fellow Citizen