Zimbabwe Apologizes To South African Tourist Fined For Missing Warning Triangles, ZRP Launches Investigation
Zimbabwe has issued an apology and ordered an internal police investigation after a South African tourist was fined US$30 (about R560) at a roadblock in Chipinge for allegedly failing to carry the required number of emergency warning triangles.
The incident, which occurred on February 7, 2026, quickly escalated into a national talking point after the tourist posted a video online detailing his experience with officers manning the roadblock. The case prompted direct intervention from Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi and a public response from the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Tourist Speaks Out After Chipinge Roadblock Fine
The tourist, who identified himself as part of Trans Africa Self Drive Adventures, said he was travelling through Chipinge while towing a trailer when police officers stopped him.
In a video shared online, he said officers fined him US$30 (about R560) for carrying three emergency warning triangles instead of four, which he said was the first time he had ever encountered such a requirement despite multiple previous trips to Zimbabwe.
“I was shocked,” he said in the video.
“I had three triangles. I have been coming into Zimbabwe for years and no one has ever told me that I need four. This kind of treatment is not good for tourism.”
He accused the officers of corruption and warned that incidents like this risk damaging Zimbabwe’s reputation as a tourist destination.
The video spread rapidly across social media, drawing thousands of views and comments within hours.
Minister Calls And Apologises
Later that evening, on February 7, the tourist shared a follow-up video saying Minister Barbara Rwodzi had contacted him personally by phone to apologise.
“The Minister called me herself and apologised,” he said.
“She assured me that action would be taken against the officers involved.”
On February 8, 2026, Rwodzi met the tourist in person. The meeting was widely shared online and cited by government officials as an example of swift engagement aimed at protecting Zimbabwe’s tourism image.
Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Ndavaning Mangwana said the Government expected all officials to act with the country’s international standing in mind.
“Zimbabwe places paramount importance on its image,” Mangwana said.
“All officials, including those manning roadblocks, are expected to act accordingly.”
ZRP Condemns Conduct And Opens Probe
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that it had launched an internal process following the incident. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the conduct seen in the video was concerning.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the social media incident involving police officers in Chipinge and does not condone unprofessional conduct by members,” Nyathi said.
“The Police Command is therefore taking action with a view to continuously giving the public quality service and diligently adhere to policing values and courtesy as outlined in the Zimbabwe Republic Police Client Service Charter.”
“Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police commends the tourist for bringing this incident to attention.”
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