City of Harare: Harare-Bulawayo Road Diversion Set for 28 September 2026

• A traffic diversion will be implemented on the Harare-Bulawayo road on September 28, 2026, from 4 PM to 9 PM.
• The diversion affects traffic traveling from Bulawayo towards Harare city centre, near the National Sports Stadium.
• This measure is due to an Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier match between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, expecting 30,000 fans.
• Motorists without official match tickets must use alternative routes, including Solomon Mujuru Drive, and will encounter a police checkpoint.
• Traffic exiting Harare city centre past the stadium will not be affected by the diversion.

Adjusting travel plans to account for the Bulawayo Road alternative routes and potential delays is paramount to avoid disruptions.

On Monday, September 28, 2026, motorists traveling from Bulawayo towards the Harare city centre will encounter a significant traffic diversion. This measure, announced by the City of Harare Chief Traffic Officer Chief Superintendent Martin Chimombe, is a proactive step to manage an anticipated surge in traffic around the National Sports Stadium. The diversion will be in effect between 4 PM and 9 PM, coinciding with an Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier match where Zimbabwe will host the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The primary reason for this temporary road closure is the evening football match, which is expected to draw a substantial crowd. Approximately 30,000 fans have already secured advance tickets, necessitating stringent Harare traffic management 2026 protocols to ensure public safety and smooth vehicular flow. The affected section specifically targets the Bulawayo Road carriageway for vehicles heading into the city centre, aiming to alleviate congestion stemming from the high volume of match-day attendees.

To facilitate the Harare-Bulawayo road diversion 28 September 2026, Zimbabwe police will establish a checkpoint at the intersection of Bulawayo Road and Harare Drive. All motorists approaching from Bulawayo and intending to proceed into the city centre, who do not possess official advance tickets for the match or are not designated match officials, will be redirected. These drivers are instructed to use alternative routes, primarily Solomon Mujuru Drive, which was formerly known as Kirkman Road.

The Zimbabwe police road closure notice explicitly states that only match officials and individuals holding official advance tickets will be granted access through the restricted section of Bulawayo Road. Other motorists will be diverted onto Harare Drive and subsequently onto Solomon Mujuru Drive, ensuring that the immediate vicinity of the National Sports Stadium remains clear for match-related traffic. It is important to note that traffic flowing out of the Harare city centre, past the National Sports Stadium, will not be impacted by this diversion and can continue using the route as usual.

This temporary traffic alteration carries significant implications for legal and business professionals operating within or traveling through Harare on the specified date. The directive from the City of Harare and police underscores the necessity for meticulous logistical planning, particularly for individuals such as lawyers and compliance officers who may have scheduled court appearances, critical meetings, or time-sensitive deliveries. Adjusting travel plans to account for the Bulawayo Road alternative routes and potential delays is paramount to avoid disruptions.

Failure to adhere to the police directives regarding the Solomon Mujuru Drive diversion and other designated alternative routes could lead to substantial logistical issues, including missed appointments or deadlines. Given the high-stakes nature of legal and compliance work, professionals must factor in additional travel time and familiarize themselves with the revised access points for the Zimbabwe Warriors match road access. This proactive approach will mitigate the risk of being caught in unexpected delays or being turned away at police checkpoints.

Compliance with these temporary traffic management measures is not merely a matter of convenience but a requirement to ensure the efficient functioning of daily operations and adherence to legal obligations. The police's authority to enforce these diversions means that non-compliance could result in more than just delays, potentially impacting professional responsibilities and client commitments.

This temporary traffic diversion, issued by the City of Harare and police, requires lawyers and compliance officers to adjust travel plans for themselves or their clients to avoid delays for court appearances, meetings, or critical deliveries on September 28, 2026. Failure to comply with police directives on alternative routes could lead to logistical issues or missed deadlines.

Source: Reporting based on official announcements from Harare authorities.