Zimbabwean police have issued a renewed call for road safety following a fatal accident along the Masvingo-Mbalabala Road that claimed eight lives during the Africa Day holiday weekend.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the crash occurred on 26 May at the 30-kilometre peg along the busy highway.
Among the victims were Lazarus Takanyara (47) of DISO, Mashava, Albert Gwaimani (47) of Lenox Mine, Mashava, and Ashley Zangure (19) of Zangure Village, Ngundu. A seven-month-old infant, Stella Dzingai of Makono Village in Bikita, also died in the crash.
In a statement on Tuesday, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to prioritise safety, particularly during public holidays when road traffic increases significantly.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that drivers should adhere to all road rules and regulations to safeguard human lives. Above all, motorists should avoid overtaking when it is not safe to do so,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Police data shows that while the total number of road traffic accidents recorded during the 2025 Africa Day holiday dropped from 190 in 2024 to 128, the number of fatal crashes rose from six to seven, with the death toll increasing from seven to eight. Injuries declined from 35 to 22 during the same period.
The ZRP said investigations into the crash are ongoing and that efforts to engage the public on road safety awareness will continue throughout the year.
Commissioner Nyathi conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and called on all drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially when overtaking or driving long distances.
“Every life lost on the road is one too many,” he said.