100 people were killed in road accidents between December 15 and 26, 2025, compared to 77 during the same period last year, according to figures released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s press statement released earlier today, there’s been an increase in total road traffic accidents, fatal accidents, people killed, and people injured between December 15 and 26, 2025, compared to the same period last year.
Specifically, total accidents rose to 2,412 from 1,211, fatal accidents increased to 87 from 65, deaths went up to 100 from 77, and injuries jumped to 471 from 401.
The police’s breakdown of road accident fatalities reveals that of the 100 people killed, 10 were drivers, 44 were passengers, 2 were scotch cart occupants, 4 were riders, 3 were cyclists, and 37 were pedestrians.
The police highlighted the Harare-Nyamapanda accident, which claimed 10 lives, as the most fatal incident during the period, citing driver behavior and vehicle-related issues as the primary causes of road traffic accidents across the country.
“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.
“A preliminary review of the road traffic accidents recorded on major highways across the country during the period, points, to recurring and preventable causal factors largely attributable 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 manoeuvres. These actions demonstrate poor judgement, disregard for traffic regulations and failure to observe road markings,” said the Police.
Excessive speeding was a major contributor to the accidents, often leading to loss of control, with vehicles veering off roads, overturning, or crashing into objects, especially at night or early morning, suggesting drivers were pushing their limits, often worsened by fatigue or inattention.
The ZRP further highlighted poor vehicle maintenance, worn-out or substandard tyres, overloading, and lack of routine inspections as key factors in fatal accidents, particularly involving public service vehicles like Toyota Hiace kombis, where tyre bursts led to overturns and devastating consequences.
“Overloading was also identified as a significant risk factor, as it compromises vehicle stability, places excessive strain on tyres and reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, especially at high speeds,” said the statement.
The ZRP is sounding the alarm, urging pedestrians to be extra cautious, as a concerning number of them, 37 were killed in road accidents during the period.
“The Police urges pedestrians to exercise caution on the roads and observe all road 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 on 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 police said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urge motorists to stick to the rules and drive responsibly, setting a good example for others, to keep lives safe as the New Year holiday approaches.
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Story by Jeremiah Gora
