Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
A TOTAL of 100 people have been killed in road traffic accidents across the country since the start of the festive season, up from 77 during the same period last year. The accidents were recorded between 15 and 26 December.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said 2,412 road traffic accidents were recorded during the period under review, compared to 1,211 accidents during the same period in 2024.
Statistics further show that 87 fatal accidents occurred, up from 65 last year, while the number of people injured rose to 471, compared to 401 in 2024.
Commissioner Nyathi described the increase in fatalities as deeply concerning, noting that the festive season traditionally sees higher traffic volumes as families travel to reunite.
An analysis of fatalities by road user groups revealed that passengers accounted for the highest number of deaths (44), followed by pedestrians (37). Drivers accounted for 10 deaths, while riders (4), cyclists (3) and scotch cart operators (2) also lost their lives.
The most serious accident occurred on 17 December at the 185km peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road near Suswe. A Honda Fit travelling from Mutoko to Kotwa, carrying 10 occupants, collided head-on with a haulage truck heading towards Harare. All 10 occupants of the Honda Fit died on the spot.
President Mnangagwa declared the crash a State of Disaster.
“A preliminary review of accidents recorded on major highways across the country pointed to recurring and preventable causes, largely attributed to driver behaviour and vehicle-related defects, which resulted in multiple fatalities and serious injuries,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
“Most of the accidents involved head-on collisions, mainly due to vehicles encroaching into lanes of oncoming traffic or engaging in dangerous overtaking manoeuvres. These actions demonstrate poor judgment, disregard for traffic regulations and failure to observe road markings.”
Excessive speeding was also identified as a major contributing factor, often leading to loss of vehicle control.
“Several incidents involved vehicles veering off the road, overturning or colliding with trees and other fixed objects, particularly during early morning and night-time hours, when fatigue and inattention are common,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi cited tyre bursts as a significant factor in several fatal accidents, especially those involving public service vehicles such as Toyota Hiace kombis.
“Tyre failure often resulted in vehicles overturning, causing deaths and serious injuries to passengers. This trend points to poor vehicle maintenance, use of worn-out or substandard tyres, overloading, and failure to conduct routine vehicle inspections before embarking on journeys,” he said.
Overloading was further identified as a major risk factor, compromising vehicle stability, placing excessive strain on tyres and reducing a driver’s ability to control the vehicle, particularly at high speeds.Commissioner Nyathi also raised concern over the high number of pedestrian deaths, urging members of the public to exercise extreme caution when using roads.
“It is disturbing to note that some pedestrians were struck by vehicles while walking on the road with earphones plugged in, listening to music. Pedestrians must avoid jaywalking and use designated crossing points such as pedestrian crossings and traffic-controlled intersections,” he said.
He added that no major road traffic accidents involving public service buses were recorded during the period under review.
“As the New Year holiday approaches, motorists must strictly adhere to road rules and regulations, act responsibly and remain exemplary on the roads to safeguard lives,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
