Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
ROAD traffic accidents more than doubled during the 2025 festive season, with 100 people killed and 2 412 crashes recorded between December 15 and 26, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
The figures represent a sharp increase from the same period in 2024, when 1 211 accidents, 65 fatal crashes and 77 deaths were recorded. This year, 87 fatal accidents were logged, while 471 people were injured, compared to 401 last year.
Police said passengers and pedestrians were the worst affected, with 44 passengers and 37 pedestrians losing their lives. Drivers accounted for 10 deaths, while riders (4), cyclists (3) and scotch cart operators (2) were also among the fatalities.
The most serious crash occurred on December 17 at the 185-kilometre peg along the Harare–Nyamapanda Road near Suswe, where a Honda Fit carrying 10 occupants collided head-on with a haulage truck travelling towards Harare. All 10 occupants in the Honda Fit died.
A preliminary review of accidents recorded on major highways shows that most crashes were preventable, with police attributing them largely to dangerous driver behaviour and vehicle defects. Head-on collisions were common, mainly caused by vehicles encroaching into oncoming lanes or engaging in risky overtaking manoeuvres, reflecting poor judgement and disregard for traffic regulations.
Excessive speeding was identified as the leading contributing factor, frequently resulting in loss of vehicle control. Several crashes involved vehicles veering off the road, overturning or colliding with trees and fixed objects, particularly during early morning and night-time hours, with fatigue and inattention worsening the risk.
Police also noted that tyre bursts were a major cause of fatal accidents, especially involving public service vehicles such as Toyota Hiace kombis. In many cases, tyre failure led to vehicles overturning, resulting in deaths and serious injuries. This was linked to poor vehicle maintenance, the use of worn-out or substandard tyres, overloading and failure to conduct routine vehicle inspections.
Overloading was further flagged as a significant risk factor, as it compromises vehicle stability, places excessive strain on tyres and reduces a driver’s ability to control a vehicle, particularly at high speeds.
The ZRP urged motorists to strictly adhere to road rules and regulations and called on drivers to act responsibly as the New Year holiday approaches. Pedestrians were advised to exercise caution, avoid jaywalking and use designated crossing points, with police expressing concern over the high number of pedestrian deaths.
