SYDNEY MUBAIWA
HARARE- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said 100 people died in road traffic accidents across the country during the festive season from 15 to 26 December, from 65 recorded in 2024 during the same period.
In a statement released on Monday, 29 December 2025, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said 2 412 road traffic accidents were recorded in 2025, up from 1,211 during the same period last year.
He said 87 fatal accidents were recorded this year as compared to 65 in 2024, resulting in 100 deaths, up from 77 the previous year.
Commissioner Nyathi said a total of 471 people were injured this year as compared to 401 in the same period in 2024.
In the report, Commissioner Nyathi provided a breakdown of those killed in the accidents: 10 drivers, 44 passengers, 2 people in scotch carts, 4 riders, 3 cyclists, and 37 pedestrians lost their lives.
“The most serious fatal road accident recorded during the period occurred on 17th December 2025 at the 185 km peg along the Harare—Nyamapanda Road, near the Suswe area.
“A Honda Fit travelling from Mutoko to Kotwa, carrying ten occupants, was involved in a head-on collision with a haulage truck travelling towards Harare. The collision resulted in the death of ten occupants in the Honda Fit vehicle,” he said.
He said a preliminary review of road traffic accidents on major highways during the period points to recurring and preventable causes, largely linked to driver behaviour and vehicle-related issues, which resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
“Most of the accidents involved head-on collisions, which were mainly due to vehicles encroaching onto lanes of oncoming traffic or engaging in dangerous overtaking maneuvers.
“These actions demonstrate poor judgment, disregard for traffic regulations and failure to observe road markings.
“Excessive speeding was also identified as the major contributing factor in the reported accidents, frequently resulting in loss of vehicle control.
“Several incidents involved vehicles veering off the road, overturning, or colliding with trees or fixed objects, particularly during early morning and nighttime hours.
“These crashes suggest that drivers were travelling at speeds beyond their ability to safely control their vehicles, a risk often worsened by fatigue or inattention.
“The analysis further shows that tyre bursts were a major contributing factor in a number of the fatal road traffic accidents, particularly those involving public service vehicles such as Toyota Hiace kombis.
“This trend points to poor vehicle maintenance, the use of worn-out or substandard tyres, overloading and failure to conduct routine vehicle inspections before embarking on journeys.”
He said overloading was also identified as a major risk factor, as it compromises vehicle stability, puts excessive strain on tyres, and reduces the driver’s control, particularly at high speeds.
He also urged pedestrians to exercise caution on the roads and to adhere to all traffic rules and regulations.
“The number of pedestrians killed during the period is disturbing. It is also sad to note that some pedestrians were struck by vehicles while walking on the road with cellphones plugged into earphones and listening to music.
“Pedestrians are reminded to avoid jaywalking and always use designated crossing points such as pedestrian crossings and traffic-controlled intersections.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges motorists to strictly adhere to road rules and regulations.
“We call on drivers to act responsibly and be exemplary on the roads to safeguard lives as the New Year holiday approaches,” he said.
