TSCZ Must Be Given Power To Issue Traffic Tickets and Bite: Minister Appeals To Parliament

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has appealed to Parliament to grant the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) powers to issue tickets to motorists for traffic offences. He made the remarks in the National Assembly on September 17, 2025, while responding to questions from legislators.

Push For Enforcement Powers

Minister Mhona stressed that the TSCZ, which currently focuses on road safety awareness campaigns, must be transformed into a body with enforcement powers.

He told lawmakers:

“The TSCZ has been doing an excellent job in raising awareness and educating the public on safe road usage, but we need to go a step further. Right now, it only persuades and encourages compliance. We are saying it must have enforcement powers. Very soon we will set the ball rolling and come to this House that you support that the TSCZ be transformed into an Agency so that it has teeth to bite.”

The Minister explained that the Council would still retain its educational role but with added responsibilities to enforce regulations and directly penalise errant motorists.

“As things stand, the TSCZ is toothless when it comes to dealing with offenders. If someone ignores its road safety campaigns, nothing happens. We want to change that. We want an agency that can coordinate road safety efforts, enforce the law, and issue tickets where necessary,” said Minister Mhona.

He further emphasised that Parliament’s support would be crucial in making the transformation a reality.

“We will need your backing as Honourable Members to make sure this is done. It will require legislative support, and I am appealing to this House to work with us so that we bring the necessary amendments,” Minister Mhona said.

Road Safety Concerns

The Minister also tied the proposed changes to Zimbabwe’s worsening road safety record. He highlighted that the country continues to lose thousands of lives annually due to accidents, and this demands tougher action.

“We are losing approximately 2 000 lives every year on our roads. This is unacceptable. Families are being destroyed and communities are being left traumatised. Awareness alone is not enough. We need a Council that can act decisively,” Minister Mhona said.

He insisted that transforming the TSCZ into a ticket-issuing agency was not about creating another policing body but about strengthening efforts to protect lives.

“We are not duplicating the work of the police. The idea is to create a specialised agency that focuses on road safety. The police have their mandate, but the TSCZ will strictly be concerned with ensuring safety, ensuring order, and ensuring compliance with road rules,” Minister Mhona explained.

He added that the plan was part of a wider strategy to modernise Zimbabwe’s traffic management systems.