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Fatalities rise to 100 amid spike in crashes; police urge strict compliance ahead of New Year travel
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reported a sharp rise in road traffic accidents and fatalities over the festive season period, with 100 people killed between 15 and 26 December 2025—up from 77 during the same period last year. Total accidents more than doubled to 2,412 from 1,211 in 2024, while injuries climbed to 471 from 401, prompting urgent appeals for safer driving, better vehicle maintenance and heightened pedestrian caution as New Year travel intensifies.
Comparative accident statistics for 15–26 December
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total road traffic accidents | 1,211 | 2,412 |
| Fatal accidents | 65 | 87 |
| People killed | 77 | 100 |
| People injured | 401 | 471 |
Breakdown of 2025 fatalities by road user group: Drivers (10), Passengers (44), Scotch carts (2), Riders (4), Cyclists (3), Pedestrians (37), Total (100)
Major incidents and recurring causes
A particularly tragic crash on 17 December at the 185 km peg along the Harare–Nyamapanda Road near Suswe claimed ten lives when a Honda Fit travelling from Mutoko to Kotwa collided head-on with a haulage truck headed towards Harare. All ten occupants of the Honda Fit died at the scene, underscoring the deadly consequences of lane encroachment and misjudged overtaking on busy highways.
Across major routes, police say most fatal crashes involved head-on collisions linked to improper overtaking and vehicles crossing into oncoming lanes. Excessive speeding was repeatedly cited as a primary factor, with many loss-of-control incidents leading to overturning or impacts with trees and fixed objects—especially during early morning and night hours when visibility and driver alertness tend to be lower.
Tyre bursts—often attributed to poor maintenance and neglect of routine inspections—also featured prominently in fatal crashes, including those involving public service vehicles such as Toyota Hiace kombis. Overloading further compromised vehicle stability, increased mechanical stress on tyres, and reduced drivers’ ability to safely control vehicles at speed.
Pedestrian risks and behaviour
Pedestrians accounted for 37 of the 100 deaths in the period, a figure the ZRP described as “disturbing.” Police highlighted risky behaviours such as walking on the roadway while wearing earphones and listening to music, which can reduce situational awareness and reaction time. Authorities reiterated that pedestrians should avoid jaywalking and use marked crossings and traffic-controlled intersections, especially along high-speed corridors and at night.
Enforcement focus and public service vehicles
While the period did not record major road traffic accidents involving public service vehicles, police cautioned operators and drivers against complacency. Routine tyre checks, adherence to manufacturer load limits, and disciplined driving remain crucial. The ZRP urged motorists to act responsibly, set a positive example on the roads, and comply fully with road rules and regulations to safeguard lives as New Year journeys peak.
Safety guidance ahead of New Year travel
- Speed discipline: Keep within posted limits, adjust for weather and traffic, and maintain longer following distances at night.
- Safe overtaking: Only overtake with clear sight lines and adequate gaps; avoid crossing into oncoming lanes on bends or crests.
- Vehicle fitness: Conduct pre-trip checks—tyres, brakes, lights, steering, and fluids—and replace worn tyres before intercity travel.
- Load control: Respect manufacturer load ratings; do not overload passengers or cargo, particularly on kombis and light vehicles.
- Tyre care: Check pressures (including spares), inspect for cuts/bulges, and avoid mixing worn and new tyres on the same axle.
- Pedestrian caution: Use designated crossings, avoid distractions like earphones on roadways, and wear visible clothing at night.
Outlook
With travel volumes rising in the run-up to the New Year, police have intensified safety messaging and enforcement along major highways. The spike in accidents and fatalities points to preventable risks—speeding, poor judgment during overtaking, inadequate vehicle maintenance and vulnerable pedestrian behaviour—that, if addressed collectively by drivers, operators and road users, can curb the human and economic toll on Zimbabwe’s roads.
