Police Dismiss Claims That STMS Traffic Fines Will Be Cancelled At Crime Hotspots

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed claims that motorists caught committing traffic offences at intersections considered crime hotspots will have their fines waived under the newly introduced Smart Traffic Management System (STMS).

Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the force had never announced any blanket cancellation of traffic violations recorded at the identified locations, despite speculation circulating on social media.

Instead, Nyathi explained that the cameras installed at the intersections serve both traffic enforcement and crime prevention purposes, with footage monitored in real time to help police respond to security concerns raised by motorists.

Also Read: Zimbabwe Police Name 4 Crime Hotspots Where Night-Time Traffic Fines Will Be Cancelled

ZRP Clarifies Role Of STMS Cameras At Night

The clarification follows concerns from motorists about driving through certain intersections at night, with some fearing that stopping or slowing down at the traffic lights could expose them to criminal attacks.

Nyathi first addressed the concerns on Friday, October 30, acknowledging that police were aware of the safety issues raised by motorists.

He said the STMS cameras allow authorities to monitor activity at the affected junctions, while reported security incidents would be handled by police.

On Saturday, he issued a further statement dismissing suggestions that traffic violations recorded at the locations would automatically be scrapped.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has never made any statement about cancelling all traffic violations at the alleged crime hotspots mentioned by some media outlets and members of the public in relation to the Smart Traffic Management System and night driving,” he said.

Nyathi stressed that each incident would be considered individually, adding that the surveillance cameras were not exclusively intended to catch motorists breaking traffic regulations.

Police Address Security Concerns At Four Intersections

The police spokesperson said the cameras were also helping officers keep track of criminal activity at the intersections, allowing them to respond to security threats.

He added that the Officer Commanding Harare Province was actively monitoring police deployments and security developments at the locations that had raised concern among motorists.

According to Nyathi, there had been no recent reports of criminal cases at the identified intersections, which he attributed to increased police visibility and deployments at strategic points.

“The public should note that due to ZRP deployments, we have not recorded criminal cases at the mentioned areas for some time now,” he said.

The four intersections that have attracted attention from motorists and the media are:

• Seke Road and Cripps Road.

• Samora Machel Avenue and Abdel Gamal Nasser Road.

• Remembrance Drive and Cripps Road, near Mupedzanhamo.

• Jason Moyo Avenue and Abdel Gamal Nasser Road.

Motorists Urged To Continue Following Traffic Rules

Despite the concerns surrounding night driving, the ZRP has urged motorists not to assume that traffic offences committed at the four intersections will be exempt from enforcement.

Drivers have also been encouraged to report suspicious activity to the police so that officers can investigate and respond to security threats.

The clarification means that the presence of surveillance cameras at the identified intersections does not amount to an automatic waiver of traffic fines, as each reported incident will be assessed individually.