Zimbabwe Police Plans Drone Deployment in Harare for Traffic Offender Identification

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are deploying drones in and around Harare's Central Business District to enhance the newly implemented Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS) aimed at curbing rampant traffic violations. This initiative targets common offenses such as illegal passenger pick-ups and drop-offs, unauthorized lane creation, driving against traffic flow, ignoring stop signs, and operating public service vehicles without proper permits, which have contributed to chaotic traffic conditions. Commissioner Paul Nyathi explained that drones stationed at Harare Central Police Station can monitor areas up to 20 kilometers away, including Market Square, Rotten Row, and the Harare Exhibition Park, allowing for real-time identification of offenders. Since the ETMS launch, 290 motorists caught by surveillance cameras have been identified and fined, demonstrating the system's effectiveness. The integration of drone surveillance with ETMS is expected to strengthen traffic law enforcement and restore order in Harare's traffic environment. Additionally, ZRP is expanding similar monitoring efforts to Bulawayo, with plans to publicize traffic offenders captured on camera.