Police Name 284 Bulawayo Red-Light Offenders as Smart Traffic System Tightens

By Charity Chikara | 5 June 2025

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has published a list of 284 motorists in Bulawayo caught on camera running red lights, as the Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS) begins clamping down on traffic violations.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the smart traffic monitoring system, though still in its early stages in Bulawayo, is already tracking offenders by capturing vehicle registration numbers.

“The Electronic Traffic Management System in Bulawayo is currently capturing vehicle registration numbers only. This is a temporary measure, and an upgrade is underway to enhance the system’s capabilities,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

Once the upgrade is complete, the system will be able to capture full identification details, similar to the Harare system, which now records national identity numbers and registered vehicle owners’ information.

Since its launch, ETMS has recorded over 20,000 traffic violations countrywide, with offender details being released in phases.

The ZRP has urged motorists and vehicle owners whose plates appear on the list to report to the nearest police station for processing. Authorities also expressed frustration over the low compliance rate among previously named offenders. In Harare, only 95 out of 270 motorists from the first batch came forward.

“Police will effect arrests and impound the vehicles of offending motorists, compile dockets, and present the suspects before the courts,” warned Nyathi.

The ETMS system uses high-definition surveillance cameras to enforce traffic laws and is expected to play a major role in improving road safety and reducing lawlessness on Zimbabwe’s roads.