-as speeding tops causes
MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO-The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has revealed a worrying rise in road fatalities during the 2026 Easter holidays, despite a decline in the overall number of accidents.
These statistics were confirmed by ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
According to the police, a total of 337 road traffic accidents were recorded during the 2026 Easter holiday period, a decrease from 384 accidents recorded during the same period in 2025.
However, the number of fatal accidents slightly increased from 21 in 2025 to 22 in 2026, with 30 people losing their lives compared to 24 the previous year.
Injuries significantly dropped from 178 in 2025 to 104 this year.
ZRP statistics show that pedestrians were the most affected group, accounting for 19 of the 30 deaths, representing about 63 percent of the total fatalities.
Passengers followed with seven deaths (23 percent), while drivers accounted for three deaths (10 percent). One rider was killed, making up just over three percent of the fatalities.
Police investigations identified speeding as the leading cause of accidents during the holiday, with many motorists losing control of their vehicles and overturning.
Dangerous overtaking also contributed to several head-on collisions recorded across the country.
Among the tragic incidents was a fatal accident that occurred on April 3, 2026, at around 2110 hours at the 51-kilometre peg along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road.
Seven people were killed and four others injured when a truck rammed into three vehicles, a Nissan March, Toyota Probox and Toyota Hiace, which had earlier been involved in another accident.
The truck also struck pedestrians who had gathered at the scene, leading to multiple fatalities.
In another heartbreaking case on April 2, 2026, six family members died when a Toyota Corolla collided head-on with a truck at the 246-kilometre peg along the Harare–Masvingo Road.
Despite the absence of major accidents involving public service vehicles, the loss of life has raised concern among authorities.
ZRP has urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere to road rules and avoid speeding to prevent further tragedies.
“The statistics are a stark reminder that human error, particularly speeding and reckless driving, continues to cost lives.
We urge all road users to prioritise safety at all times,” said Nyathi.
The police continue to intensify road safety awareness campaigns and enforcement measures to curb accidents and save lives on Zimbabwe’s roads.
