By Crime and Court Reporter-An overzealous police officer narrowly survived after the vehicle he was driving was struck by a train at a level crossing in Marondera on Saturday evening.
The officer was reportedly in hot pursuit of a fleeing commuter omnibus (kombi) when the collision occurred.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) shared images of the mangled police vehicle, criticizing the officer’s reckless behaviour.
In a statement, the NRZ highlighted the importance of adhering to level crossing regulations, which require all drivers to stop and confirm that no train is approaching before proceeding.
“Indications are that the officer was chasing after a fleeing kombi,” read the NRZ statement. “We urge all motorists, including law enforcement agents, to exercise caution at level crossings and never attempt to outrun an oncoming train.”
The incident sheds light on the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and commuter omnibus drivers, who often evade police to avoid fines, harassment, or confiscation of their vehicles.
This relentless pursuit culture has frequently resulted in accidents, endangering the lives of both officers and civilians.
Commuter omnibus drivers, notorious for flouting traffic regulations, often face heavy-handed crackdowns by police, including high-speed chases in urban areas.
Such pursuits, while aimed at enforcing the law, have drawn criticism for creating unnecessary risks on the roads.
This latest incident has reignited debate over the need for safer and more effective law enforcement strategies, particularly when dealing with public transport operators.