Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
MORE than 2 000 pedestrians were killed or injured in hit‑and‑run traffic accidents between January and March this year, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said 2 081 pedestrians, including schoolchildren, were either killed or injured by motorists who fled the scene and failed to report the incidents, as required by law.
The figure represents an increase compared with the same period last year, when 1 905 cases were recorded.
“It is a requirement, in terms of the Road Traffic Act, that motorists who are involved in road traffic accidents stop, render assistance to the injured and, where a person has died, follow due process. Motorists must also report to the police,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the increase in cases where pedestrians are either killed or injured and motorists fail to stop or report the accidents.”
He reiterated the ZRP’s call for all drivers to be safety‑conscious and law‑abiding citizens.
“It is disheartening to note that there are motorists who decide to run away from accident scenes,” he added.
Most victims of hit‑and‑run incidents include schoolchildren, pedestrians crossing roads — especially at zebra crossings and traffic‑controlled areas — and those walking along pavements.
“We also continue to urge pedestrians to consider crossing roads at traffic lights if they are in the CBD (central business district) and when it is safe to do so,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
He further appealed to both pedestrians and motorists to avoid listening to music through headphones or talking on phones while moving near roads, noting that such distractions contribute to some accidents.
The police are looking forward to the installation of an electronic traffic management system, which will assist in identifying and accounting for errant drivers.
Recently, Officer Commanding Harare province Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru said all impounded vehicles with dents must be accounted for by the driver. He also challenged the City of Harare to consider repairing and installing streetlights in dark areas to reduce night‑time risks for pedestrians.
In their report following last month’s Easter holidays, police said that of the 30 people killed in road traffic accidents during that period this year, 19 were pedestrians.
