Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
Road traffic accidents have sharply increased across Zimbabwe, with the latest figures from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) revealing a worrying 19,8 percent rise during the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter.
A total of 15 350 accidents were recorded in the period under review, resulting in 624 deaths and 2 926 injuries, according to ZimStats.
The spike in road accidents comes against the backdrop of a notable increase in the number of vehicles on the roads.
“During the 2nd quarter 2025, the number of vehicles registered for the first time increased by 15,2 percent, from 18 214, recorded in the first quarter 2025, to 21 128,” Zimstats said.
“The number of light motor vehicles registered for the first time increased by 18,1 percent from 13 631 recorded during 1st quarter 2025 to 16 095.
“Road traffic accidents increased by 19,8 percent during second quarter 2025 as compared to first quarter 2025.”
Light motor vehicles accounted for a significant portion of the increase, with first-time registrations jumping by 18.1 percent, from 13 631 to 16 095.
According to ZimStats, 54 453 learner drivers underwent the certificate of competence test in the second quarter, but only 52.9 percent passed.
Performance in the competence tests showed wide disparities with only Mashonaland East (67.6 percent), Harare (66.3 percent), and Manicaland (50.1 percent) recording pass rates above 50 percent.
All other provinces fell below the halfway mark.
