By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Zimbabwe recorded 384 road traffic accidents during the 2025 Easter and Independence holidays. The rate of road accidents has increase from 286 incidents reported in 2024.
Despite the rise in accidents, fatalities decreased to 24, down from 27 in 2024, while injuries increased to 178 from 159.
One notable incident during this holiday period occurred on 21 April 2025 at the 51 km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo road.
A tragic accident involving a Toyota Hiace kombi resulted in the deaths of four people, with 14 others sustaining injuries.
The vehicle, which was carrying 18 passengers, veered off the road and overturned, leading to three passengers dying at the scene and one more succumbing to injuries after being admitted to Norton Hospital.
Additionally, the police reported three hit and run fatal accidents, emphasizing the importance of accountability on the roads.
“The first accident occurred on 19th April 2025, at the 57km peg along Mutoko-Chidye dust road, when an unknown motorcyclist hit a pedestrian and sped off. The victim died upon admission at Mutoko Hospital.”
The ZRP states that the following day, two other accidents happened along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, resulting in fatalities as the drivers fled the scene without rendering assistance.
” The second accident occurred on 20th April 2025 along Harare-Bulawayo Road at Tynwald flyover when an unknown male adult was hit by an unidentified vehicle and died on the spot.
On the same date, another accident occurred along Harare-Bulawayo Road, near Puma service station in Whitehouse, where a 66-year-old man was hit by a Nissan Caravan vehicle. The victim died upon admission at Parirenyatwa Group Hospital, and the driver of the vehicle did not stop after the accident,” said Police spokeperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterated that motorists must stop, render first aid and report road traffic accidents to the Police. The police urges all motorists to be responsible on the roads and observe all road rules and regulations to safeguard human lives.
As traffic accident statistics for this year reveal a complex picture of increased incidents but reduced fatalities, the Zimbabwe Republic Police emphasizes the need for being responsible and observing all the road rules and regulations to protect lives a d reduce the toll of accidents.