Authorities have launched an investigation into checkpoint personnel from both the Police and Vehicle Inspectorate Department, who cleared the dangerous Urban Connect bus that crashed recently. These officials face scrutiny because they permitted passenger transport despite clear safety problems with the vehicle. The government suspended Urban Connect Holdings from operating for half a year after their bus collided head-on with a truck, killing 28 people on the Beitbridge-Masvingo road.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona addressed lawmakers about the tragedy during a recent Parliament session. He responded directly to questions about what happens to officers who let unsafe buses travel through checkpoints they monitor. Mhona explained he had discussions with the Home Affairs Minister regarding accountability measures for both police and VID staff who fail to stop dangerous vehicles that later cause accidents.
The Minister emphasized the serious nature of the situation when roadside safety officials neglect their responsibilities. He stated clearly that personnel stationed at checkpoints must perform their duties correctly or face consequences. The current push aims to create a system where officers cannot simply wave through vehicles with obvious safety issues without facing personal responsibility for those decisions.
Mhona asked Parliament to create stronger legal frameworks specifically targeting officials who approve unfit vehicles at roadblocks. This legislation would establish clear punishment for checkpoint personnel who ignore safety standards. The proposed changes come as part of broader efforts to reduce deadly transportation accidents by ensuring every vehicle inspection point effectively removes dangerous buses and trucks from Zimbabwean roads.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona addressed lawmakers about the tragedy during a recent Parliament session. He responded directly to questions about what happens to officers who let unsafe buses travel through checkpoints they monitor. Mhona explained he had discussions with the Home Affairs Minister regarding accountability measures for both police and VID staff who fail to stop dangerous vehicles that later cause accidents.
The Minister emphasized the serious nature of the situation when roadside safety officials neglect their responsibilities. He stated clearly that personnel stationed at checkpoints must perform their duties correctly or face consequences. The current push aims to create a system where officers cannot simply wave through vehicles with obvious safety issues without facing personal responsibility for those decisions.
Mhona asked Parliament to create stronger legal frameworks specifically targeting officials who approve unfit vehicles at roadblocks. This legislation would establish clear punishment for checkpoint personnel who ignore safety standards. The proposed changes come as part of broader efforts to reduce deadly transportation accidents by ensuring every vehicle inspection point effectively removes dangerous buses and trucks from Zimbabwean roads.
