The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed concern over a sharp increase in road traffic accidents during the 2025 Easter and Independence Holidays, with 384 crashes recorded, a notable rise from 286 incidents in 2024.
While the overall number of road accidents went up, the number of fatal crashes fell from 26 last year to 21. Fatalities also declined slightly from 27 to 24. However, injuries surged, with 178 people injured this year compared to 159 in the previous period.
One of the deadliest accidents took place on 21 April at the 51-kilometre peg along the Harare–Bulawayo Road. A Toyota Hiace kombi carrying 18 passengers veered off the road and overturned, killing four people and injuring 14 others. Three passengers died on the spot, while a fourth succumbed to injuries at Norton Hospital.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the overall increase in accidents was deeply troubling despite the drop in fatalities.
“Although we welcome the decline in fatal road traffic accidents and deaths, the significant rise in total accidents remains a serious concern. Motorists must exercise caution and uphold safety regulations at all times,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He also confirmed that three hit-and-run incidents were recorded in Murewa and Harare during the holiday period.
The first occurred on 19 April at the 57-kilometre peg along the Mutoko–Chidye dust road, where a pedestrian was fatally struck by an unidentified motorcyclist. The second, on 20 April, involved an unidentified man who was killed at the Tynwald flyover on the Harare–Bulawayo Road. In the third case, a 66-year-old man was fatally hit near Whitehouse by a Nissan Caravan; the driver fled the scene.
Commissioner Nyathi reiterated the importance of road safety and accountability.
“We urge all motorists to stop, render first aid, and report accidents to the police. Running away from accident scenes is a criminal offence. The ZRP will continue to enforce traffic laws and ensure that reckless drivers are brought to justice,” he said.
The police have pledged to increase patrols and raise public awareness on responsible driving, especially during holiday periods.