HARARE – Road traffic accidents spiked over the combined Easter and Independence holidays this year with 384 crashes recorded, up from 286 in 2024, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said in a statement on Tuesday.
Despite the increase in total accidents, fatal crashes dropped from 26 to 21, and the number of deaths fell slightly from 27 to 24. However, the number of people injured rose from 159 to 178.
Among the deadliest incidents was a crash on April 21 along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, where four people died and 14 were injured when a Toyota Hiace carrying 18 passengers veered off the road and overturned. Three people died on the spot while the fourth succumbed to injuries at Norton Hospital.
Police also recorded three fatal hit-and-run accidents in Murewa and Harare. These included a pedestrian struck by an unknown motorcyclist in Mutoko on April 19 and two men killed on April 20 in separate incidents along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, including one near Whitehouse involving a Nissan Caravan.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to stop, assist the injured, and report all accidents to authorities.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists must stop, render first aid and report road traffic accidents to the Police,” Nyathi said.
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