
Tafara Chibanda
POLICE have reported a fall in the number of road traffic accidents during the festive season, when compared to the previous year, but an increase in fatal crashes has raised concerns over road safety.
Statistics released by the ZRP show that from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, 2 936 road traffic accidents were recorded, compared to 3 607 during the same period last year.
However, fatal accidents increased from 118 in 2023/2024 to 133 in 2024/2025.
The number of fatalities saw a slight drop, with 155 people being killed compared to 162 the previous year.
However, the number of people injured increased from 821 in 2023/2024 to 938 this season.
Despite the spike in fatal accidents, the police did not record any major disasters.
In one notable incident, three people lost their lives, and ten others were injured when an Isuzu KB 250 vehicle sideswiped a Toyota Probox, with 13 passengers on board, along the Harare-Chirundu Road on New Year’s Eve.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyati, in a statement said:
“In some of the fatal road traffic accidents recorded during the period, pedestrians were killed during the night while crossing the roads.
In some instances, motorists did not stop after the accidents,” he said.
On January 15, a 23-year-old man died on the spot after being hit by an unknown motorist who did not stop after the accident along Khami Road opposite DA Service Station, Bulawayo.
Another man was killed on January 1 after being hit by an unknown motorist, who did not stop after the accident, along Magoda Road, opposite OK Supermarket, Budiriro 5, Harare.
Commissioner Nyathi urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially during the night.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges motorists to exercise extensive caution and prioritise road safety, especially during the night.
“Motorists should remain vigilant and attentive to pedestrians crossing the road to prevent road traffic accidents.
“Above all, in the event of a road traffic accident, drivers should stop and render first aid to the victims and promptly report the accident to the police,” he said.