THE government’s move toward smart policing marks a watershed moment in the nation’s pursuit of public safety.
For years, the “traffic jungle” has claimed lives at an alarming rate, with the 2025 festive season statistics painting a grim picture: a 100 percent increase in accidents compared to 2024.
The traditional model of physical patrols and manual enforcement has reached its limit; it is time for a data-led, technology-driven revolution.
Traditional policing is inherently reactive—officers respond to an accident after it has occurred or attempt to catch a speeder in the act. Smart policing, fuelled by the Integrated Electronic Traffic Management System (IETMS), shifts this paradigm.
By deploying AI-powered cameras across 20 identified sites in Harare, the government is essentially creating a “digital eye” that never sleeps.
This system does not just record violations; it analyses patterns. Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and predictive algorithms, authorities can identify high-risk zones where reckless manoeuvres—like the “dangerous overtaking” cited by national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi—are most frequent. Instead of “chasing dots on a map,” police can now deploy resources based on actionable intelligence, preventing the next head-on collision before it happens.
One of the most significant advantages of smart policing is the removal of human bias and the reduction of corruption. When a camera detects a vehicle encroaching into oncoming traffic or exceeding the speed limit, the evidence is digital, objective, and indisputable.
Violators are notified immediately with photographic proof, leaving little room for the “poor judgment” or “disregard for regulations” that currently plagues our roads.
A machine does not ignore a violation because of the driver’s status or a bribe. This creates a culture of universal accountability, which is the only way to tame the “traffic jungle.”
Beyond saving lives, smart policing is an economic necessity. The cost of road carnage is staggering— from medical expenses and lost productivity to the strain on emergency services.
By leveraging local innovation through TelOne and international expertise, Zimbabwe is building a sustainable infrastructure. The manufacturing of camera poles locally is a commendable step toward self-reliance in this technological leap.
The statistics from the 2025 Christmas break are a heartbreaking reminder that human error remains our greatest threat. With 100 lives lost in just 11 days, the “wait and see” approach is no longer an option.