SOME bus operators have been accused of tampering with speed limit devices putting the lives of passengers in danger as the festive season approaches.
This has raised fears of road traffic accidents as operators jostle to maximise on the increased volume of travellers during the festive season.
According to Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023, all public service vehicles are
supposed to be fitted with a speed-limiting device so that the vehicles do not exceed 100km/hr.
The public service vehicles were supposed to have the device by August 1, 2023.
However, investigations by NewsDay showed that most bus operators are tampering with the speed limit devices after getting operating licences at the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID).
A bus belonging to Rimbi Bus Company was recently filmed travelling at over 140 kilometres per hour by Youth Development minister Tino Machakaire.
The driver has since been arrested while the bus has been impounded by VID.
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Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe later posted on social media applauding Machakaire for exposing the bus driver and the company.
NewsDay reporters boarded several buses plying the Harare-Mutare and Harare-Chinhoyi routes during the investigation with almost all the buses surpassing the 100km/hr speed limit.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said tampering with the speed limit devices was a criminal offence.
"I would like to warn bus operators that the law came into effect through an SI and anyone who is wilfully tampering with the devices is breaking the law and would be punished," he said.
Section 17(1)(b) of the Road Motor Transportation Act empowers the Commissioner of Road Transport to suspend an operator’s licence where it appears that there is disregard of the terms and conditions of the licences.
In June, government lifted suspension on three bus operators, Blue Circle, City Bus and Simlex Coaches imposed following a fatal crash that claimed 11 lives early this year.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, approximately 1 200 road accidents involving buses were recorded in 2023, a 15% increase from the previous year.
Of these, nearly 40% were attributed to speeding.
Rimbi Bus Company owner Decent Rimbi told NewsDay that bus operators are having problems with speed limits gadgets.
"The truth is we are tired of changing the speed limit devices. We were told places to buy them and they only work for two to three days," he said.
Blue Circle bus company owner Roy Gonyora blamed drivers for tampering with the devices.
"We are committed to providing safe travel to our customers,” he said.
“Where such behaviour is suspected we urge members of the public to report any errant drivers and they will be disciplined.”
Passengers Association of Zimbabwe president Tafadzwa Goliati called on the relevant authorities to monitor the implementation of the speed limit law on public service vehicles.
"We are deeply concerned about the blatant disregard for passenger safety,” Goliati said.
“Speed-limit (device) tampering is illegal, yet many buses operate without scrutiny.
“The government must strengthen regulations, ensure regular inspections, and impose heavy penalties on offenders.
"Many passengers are afraid to speak up, fearing backlash from aggressive drivers."
Government has repeatedly warned public service vehicle drivers to stick to speed limits as stipulated by the law or risk having their licences cancelled for non-compliance.
