Peter Moyo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reported today that road traffic accidents during the 2025 Easter and Independence holidays surged by 34%, with 384 incidents recorded compared to 286 in 2024.
While fatalities slightly decreased to 24 (down from 27 in 2024), injuries rose by 12%, and three hit-and-run cases exacerbated the crisis. A deadly kombi crash claimed four lives, underscoring persistent risks of overloading and reckless driving .
The ZRP report revealed a sharp rise in accidents between April 18 and 22. Injuries climbed to 178, up from 159 in 2024, while fatal accidents decreased marginally from 26 to 21. Despite intensified pre-holiday enforcement—including nationwide roadblocks and vehicle impoundments—the overall accident rate highlighted ongoing challenges in compliance with traffic laws .
Three hit-and-run fatalities accounted for over 14% of total deaths. On April 19, an unidentified motorcyclist struck a pedestrian along the Mutoko-Chidye dust road in Murewa, fleeing the scene before the victim succumbed to injuries at Mutoko Hospital. Hours later, a driver killed a pedestrian near Harare’s Tynwald Flyover and disappeared. The same day, a Nissan Caravan driver struck a 66-year-old man near Whitehouse’s Puma Service Station, abandoning the victim, who later died at Parirenyatwa Hospital. ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi condemned these acts as “a gross violation of human responsibility” and warned of severe penalties for offenders .
The most lethal single accident occurred on April 21 along the Harare-Bulawayo Road. An overloaded Toyota Hiace kombi carrying 18 passengers veered off the road and overturned, killing four instantly and injuring 14 others. The incident underscored risks tied to overloading and poor driver judgment, key factors in the holiday’s accident surge .
Prior to the holidays, ZRP Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba announced strict measures, including roadblocks targeting unlicensed “mushikashika” taxis, unroadworthy vehicles, and drunk drivers. Over 500 vehicles were impounded in a nationwide crackdown . However, the rise in accidents suggests persistent non-compliance. Commissioner Nyathi reiterated calls for motorists to “observe road rules to safeguard lives” and report accidents promptly .
The ZRP urged citizens to report traffic violations via official hotlines and WhatsApp channels. While the force acknowledged public cooperation in security matters, it emphasized the need for collective responsibility to curb reckless behavior .
