Zimbabwe’s Smart Traffic AI Cameras Catch 4.8 Million Offences as Motorists Get Alerts - NOWHERE TO HIDE!

CRIME & COURTS | LOCAL NEWS

Zimbabwe's New AI Traffic Cameras Catch 4.8 Million Offences as Motorists Receive Phone Alerts - NOWHERE TO HIDE!

Written By: Timothy Ndoro | Published: October 18, 2026 | 4 min read

The days of negotiating with traffic officers on the side of the road are rapidly coming to an end. Zimbabwean motorists have begun receiving unexpected mobile phone notifications containing video evidence of their driving violations, as authorities reveal that a staggering 4.8 million traffic offences have already been captured by the country's newly installed AI-powered Smart Traffic Management System (STMS).

DIGITAL POLICING ARRIVES: The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has officially rolled out the Smart Traffic Management System (STMS) across selected CBDs, using AI to automatically detect and log traffic violations.

The system, which aims to improve road safety, curb corruption, and drastically reduce urban congestion, allows drivers to check their outstanding fines online. However, as the digital policing drive accelerates—ahead of its official commissioning by President Emmerson Mnangagwa—the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued strict warnings regarding how fines should be paid and the dangers of driving unregistered vehicles.

How AI Works Check Fines ZRP Warnings Verdict

The All-Seeing Eye

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the STMS is now fully functional in selected central business districts. Rather than relying on physical roadblocks, these high-definition cameras monitor intersections 24/7.

Targeted Offences

Common Violations

The AI cameras are programmed to automatically detect speeding, using mobile phones while driving, failing to wear seatbelts, and pirate taxis (mushikashika) picking up passengers at undesignated locations.

Red Light Runners Go to Court

While many offenses result in an automatic deposit fine, Commissioner Nyathi emphasized that motorists caught running red lights will face direct court proceedings rather than being allowed to simply pay a fine.

The SMS Notification

When an offence is logged, the vehicle's registered owner receives a text message containing a hyperlink. Clicking this link reveals a short video clip of the alleged offence being committed, alongside the corresponding fine details.

Where to Check & Pay

To prevent fraudulent activities and streamline the revenue collection process, the ZRP has launched official digital platforms where motorists can securely verify their violations and settle outstanding tickets.

The Official Websites Motorists are strictly directed to check their violations and outstanding deposit fines through only two official platforms: www.paymyfines.co.zw and www.paymyfines.gov.zw.

Designated Police Stations For those who need physical assistance, specific Harare stations are equipped to handle STMS queries: Harare Central Traffic, Warren Park Traffic, Avondale Traffic, Milton Park, Marlborough, Mabelreign, Mbare Traffic, and Chitungwiza Traffic.

Critical ZRP Warnings

With a new digital system comes the inevitable rise of opportunistic criminals. Commissioner Nyathi issued several stern warnings to the public to prevent them from falling victim to scams or legal loopholes.

Beware of Fake Agents The ZRP explicitly warned motorists against dealing with unauthorized third-party "agents" claiming to collect fines on behalf of the police. All payments must go through official government channels.

The "Open Letter" Trap Crucially, the police urged vehicle owners to ensure their registration records reflect the current owner. Many Zimbabweans sell cars via "open letters." If the new owner commits an offence, the STMS will text and fine the person whose name is still on the official registration book.

Mhepo News Verdict

A Game Changer for Harare Traffic With 4.8 million offenses captured in such a short span, the Smart Traffic Management System proves just how rampant traffic violations are in Zimbabwe's urban centers. By removing the human element from initial traffic enforcement, this AI rollout severely undercuts roadside corruption and bribery.

End of the Road for Bad Drivers Sending video evidence directly to smartphones is a highly effective psychological deterrent. The strict rule that red-light jumpers will bypass fines and go straight to court shows the ZRP is treating intersection safety as a life-or-death priority ahead of President Mnangagwa's official commissioning of the project.

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