Government rolls out stricter roadside checks
Roadside drug testing will now be conducted in addition to alcohol breathalyser tests for Zimbabwe drivers. The Government says the new measures are aimed at reducing accidents and saving lives on the country’s roads.
According to The Sunday Mail of 24 August 2025, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Home Affairs are spearheading the programme, which will see public transport drivers undergoing random roadside checks for alcohol, drugs, and other substances that impair judgement.
Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) managing director Mr Munesu Munodawafa confirmed the plans. He said:
“We salute and celebrate that the police have taken the bold decision to reintroduce breathalysers. We will assist and provide some to the ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) and our budget will support the rollout.”
Drug testing kits being piloted
The reintroduction of alcohol breathalysers comes alongside a new initiative to test for drug use on the country’s roads. The Ministry of Health and Child Care, working with the Government’s chief analyst, is piloting roadside drug testing kits.
Mr Munodawafa explained:
“When you look at some of the recklessness on the roads, you wonder whether it is just alcohol. We also commend Government’s initiative to broaden the substances for which one can be checked on the roads. I know for certain the Government chief analyst in the Ministry of Health is piloting some technology which tests drugs.”
He added that the intention was to ensure public service vehicle drivers were fully sober.
“This will ensure that anybody who drives a public service vehicle is not intoxicated neither by alcohol nor by anything else.”
Rising road accidents spark action
The measures come amid rising concern over Zimbabwe’s road safety record. Police data shows that during the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day holidays earlier this month, accidents rose from 149 in 2024 to 196 in 2025. Fatal crashes went up from eight to 13, while deaths rose from 16 to 24.
Between January and September 2024, Zimbabwe recorded 39 469 road traffic accidents, up from 36 628 during the same period in 2023, an 8 percent increase. Deaths rose from 1 371 in 2023 to 1 532 in 2024.
Mr Munodawafa stressed that the new testing regime was part of a wider crackdown.
“The third thing that I am almost definite about is that there will be a full deployment of breathalysers. From the little information we have, we think that is coming again in the next few weeks. By that time, I think it will be fully operational.”
Authorities say the combination of alcohol and drug testing, alongside enhanced monitoring, will help make the country’s roads safer.
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The post Roadside Drug Testing In Addition To Alcohol Breathalyser Tests For Zimbabwe Drivers appeared first on iHarare News.
