Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has confirmed his involvement in a road traffic accident in Harare that involved a pedestrian, saying the situation was swiftly brought under control following police and medical intervention.
In a public statement released shortly after the incident, Mliswa reassured the nation that he is safe and that all necessary procedures were followed at the scene. He explained that the accident occurred when a pedestrian, who allegedly appeared to be intoxicated, suddenly entered the roadway and collided with his vehicle.
According to Mliswa, the pedestrian sustained only minor injuries and was able to walk unaided immediately after the incident. The individual was later transported to a local hospital as a precautionary measure for further medical evaluation. Mliswa said the pedestrian appeared stable at the time of transfer and showed no signs of serious injury.
“After notifying the police and ensuring that medical personnel attended to the individual, I returned home to rest,” Mliswa said, adding that he remains grateful for his own safety and that of the pedestrian. He also noted that he is continuing to monitor the recovery of the injured person to ensure they are comfortable and receiving appropriate care.
Beyond addressing the accident itself, Mliswa used the incident to draw attention to what he described as a worsening crisis of drug and substance abuse among Zimbabwean youths, particularly in Harare’s Central Business District. He argued that the circumstances surrounding the accident reflect a broader social challenge that can no longer be ignored.
“This is not just an isolated incident,” he said. “It is a symptom of a much deeper problem affecting our young people. Drug and substance abuse is becoming increasingly visible on our streets, and it poses serious risks to public safety and the future of our nation.”
Mliswa called for urgent, coordinated national action to tackle the issue, urging authorities, communities, and civil society to invest in rehabilitation, prevention, and youth empowerment programmes. He stressed that addressing the root causes of substance abuse is essential to safeguarding both young people and the wider public.
