Tinotenda Hove – In a major step toward modernising urban traffic enforcement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is set to deploy drones across Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding areas. The aerial surveillance initiative is designed to strengthen the newly introduced Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS) and crack down on growing traffic violations in the capital.

Urban centres across Zimbabwe have witnessed a dramatic rise in reckless driving, with illegal taxis and unregistered kombis contributing to daily gridlock and dangerous road conditions. Common infractions include loading and offloading passengers at unauthorized spots, illegal lane formations, driving against oncoming traffic, ignoring road signs, and operating without proper documentation.

Speaking on the new measures, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that drones are now stationed at Harare Central Police Station and can monitor traffic activity up to 20 kilometres away. “These drones provide a wider surveillance reach. We can now observe traffic patterns and violations not just in the CBD, but also as far as the Showgrounds, Rotten Row, Market Square, and beyond,” he explained.

The integration of drones with the ETMS follows a recent operation in which police flagged 290 motorists for various offences captured through surveillance cameras. Most have already been identified and fined.

“This is not a stand-alone system. The ETMS works in tandem with the drone technology, enhancing our ability to enforce the law and bring order to the streets,” said Nyathi. He warned that motorists who assume the system is ineffective will be in for a surprise as aerial monitoring becomes more widespread.

The drone deployment forms part of a broader strategy to reduce congestion and improve road discipline. Nyathi also revealed that similar surveillance systems are active in Bulawayo, with plans underway to expand the initiative to other urban centres.

“We will soon begin publicising traffic offenders in other cities as well, including Bulawayo, to demonstrate how serious the Commissioner General is about embracing technology in policing and curbing traffic violations,” he added.

With these high-tech systems now in place, authorities hope to restore order to Zimbabwe’s increasingly chaotic urban roads and reinforce compliance with traffic laws.