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Ivan Zhakata
The country has witnessed a disturbing rise in road traffic accidents during the 2025 Easter and Independence Holidays, with 384 incidents recorded compared to 286 during the same period last year.
While the number of fatal accidents dropped from 26 to 21, and the death toll slightly decreased from 27 to 24, police say the overall increase in accidents and injuries remains deeply concerning.
In a statement, National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the statistics and said the rise in road crashes was alarming.
“We recorded an increase in road traffic accidents from 286 in 2024 to 384 in 2025,” he said.
“Although the number of fatal accidents and deaths slightly declined, the rise in injuries and overall incidents is worrying.
“Motorists must be responsible and observe all road rules and regulations to safeguard human lives.”
Among the most tragic incidents was a fatal crash that occurred on April 21, 2025, at the 51-kilometre peg along the Harare-Bulawayo Road.
A Toyota Hiace kombi carrying 18 passengers veered off the road and overturned, killing three people on the spot.
A fourth passenger died upon admission at Norton Hospital, while 14 others sustained injuries.
The holiday period also saw three hit-and-run fatalities in separate incidents.
In Murewa, a pedestrian was fatally struck by an unknown motorcyclist along the Mutoko-Chidye dust road on April 19.
The victim died upon admission at Mutoko Hospital.
A day later, on April 20, another man died on the spot after being hit by an unidentified vehicle near Tynwald Flyover along the Harare-Bulawayo Road.
That same day, a 66-year-old man was killed near the Puma Service Station in Whitehouse after being hit by a Nissan Caravan.
He died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, and the driver failed to stop.
Commissioner Nyathi condemned the hit-and-run incidents and urged drivers to take responsibility for their actions.
“Motorists must stop, render first aid where necessary and immediately report all accidents to the nearest police station,” he said.
“Running away from the scene is a serious offense and only adds to the trauma of the victims and their families.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has pledged to continue raising awareness and enforcing traffic laws to help curb the carnage on the country’s roads.
Online Reporter