Tinotenda Hove – The Government has finalised the creation of an automated smart traffic management system designed to detect road offences instantly, setting the stage for a nationwide rollout that signals a shift toward technology-based law enforcement.

The platform, developed by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services in partnership with TelOne, uses surveillance cameras to identify violations such as jumping red lights, illegal parking and other traffic offences without the need for direct human intervention.

In an interview, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera confirmed that the system is complete and awaiting official commissioning following Cabinet approval.

“We have developed a system where traffic offences are automatically detected through cameras, including running red lights and dangerous parking, among other road violations. You will be detected by cameras,” she said.

The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, working closely with the ICT Ministry, the Ministry of Transport and local authorities to ensure smooth implementation.

“We are chairing the ICT development, but the Ministry of Home Affairs is leading the programme. The Ministry of Home Affairs came up with the ICT management system,” said Minister Mavetera. “We are working together with them to make sure TelOne becomes the designated company in charge of the implementation.”

According to the minister, the system has already been piloted and is now being enhanced in preparation for full deployment. She noted that the move reflects Government’s broader commitment to using digital solutions to improve public services and enhance safety on the roads.

“The system will be managed collaboratively by the Ministry of ICT, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Transport, and the City Council,” she said.

Minister Mavetera expressed confidence that the introduction of the smart platform will help address reckless driving, strengthen adherence to traffic laws and significantly reduce road accidents, which remain a major challenge nationwide.

She added that once operational, the system would introduce a new era of automated enforcement, reducing reliance on manual policing while boosting efficiency and transparency.

The development comes as the Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to modernise traffic management through the adoption of digital tools. Authorities have already introduced surveillance cameras at selected intersections and implemented electronic systems to monitor traffic violations.

These measures are part of a wider strategy to limit human interaction in traffic enforcement, reduce corruption and improve compliance with road regulations. Efforts have also included piloting integrated databases to track repeat offenders and streamline the issuing of fines.

The new smart system is expected to unify these initiatives by linking camera detection technology to a centralised database, enabling real-time monitoring, instant identification of offenders and faster processing of penalties.

It also forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader digital transformation drive, which aims to integrate technology into key sectors such as transport, law enforcement and urban management.