Source: 30 killed in Easter holiday road accidents – herald
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THIRTY people died and 104 others were injured in 337 road traffic accidents recorded during this year’s Easter holidays.
Of the total accidents recorded, 22 were fatal.
This marks an increase in fatalities compared to the same period last year, when 24 people died, although the number of injuries has declined from 178 recorded in 2025.
A total of 384 accidents were recorded during last year’s Easter holiday, 21 of which were fatal.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the majority of those killed this year were pedestrians, highlighting growing concerns over road safety.
“Out of the 30 people killed, the majority were pedestrians, accounting for 19 deaths, which is approximately 63 percent of the total,” he said.
“Passengers represented the second-largest group, with seven fatalities, roughly 23 percent of the total.
“Drivers accounted for only three deaths, which is 10 percent and one rider was killed, making up just over three percent of the total.”
Comm Nyathi noted that no major road traffic accidents involving public service vehicles were recorded during the holiday period.
However, tragedy struck on the eve of the holiday, on April 2, when six members of the same family died in a head-on collision between a Toyota Corolla and a truck at the 246km peg along the Harare–Masvingo Road.
Police identified speeding as the leading cause of accidents during the period, with many motorists losing control of their vehicles, while unsafe overtaking contributed to several head-on collisions.
Among the major incidents recorded was a fatal accident on April 3 at around 9:10pm at the 51km peg along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road, where seven people were killed and four others injured.
The victims had gathered at the scene of an earlier accident involving three vehicles — a Nissan March, Toyota Probox and Toyota Hiace — when a truck rammed into the stationary vehicles and pedestrians.
In Masvingo Province, three fatal hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians were recorded on April 4.
The first occurred at around 1:30am at the 91km peg along the Masvingo–Beitbridge Road, where an unidentified motorist struck and killed a pedestrian before fleeing the scene.
Another incident took place near the Roman Catholic Church close to Zengeza Business Centre at Renco Mine, where a Volvo abnormal load truck hit a pedestrian and did not stop, resulting in instant death.
The third accident occurred at the 22km peg along the Masvingo–Copota Road, where another pedestrian was struck and killed by a motorist who fled the scene.
Meanwhile, police also conducted operations targeting illegal touts, arresting 34 in Mutare for harassing commuters.
All were convicted and sentenced to various jail terms.
Comm Nyathi urged motorists and the public to exercise caution and prioritise safety at all times.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists involved in accidents must stop, render first aid where possible and report every accident to the police,” he said.
“Motorists are also urged to use reflective warning triangles in the event of breakdowns or accidents, reduce speed and exercise caution when approaching vehicles with hazard lights turned on.
“Above all, motorists are urged to act responsibly, adhere to all road rules and regulations and prioritise the safety of all road users.”
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