The Zimbabwe Republic Police has released statistics on Easter holiday traffic accidents.
The ZRP attributed most Easter holiday accidents to speeding, inattention, misjudgment, overtaking error, and failure to observe road rules by drivers.
“A comprehensive analysis by the Police has revealed that most accidents recorded during the Easter holiday are attributed to speeding, inattention, misjudgment, overtaking error, and failure to observe road rules and regulations by drivers,” said the statement.
Police stated no major fatal road accidents occurred during this year’s Easter holiday, with private vehicles and pedestrians involved.
“The Police did not record major fatal road accidents during this year’s Easter holiday as most fatal road accidents involved private motor vehicles and in some instances pedestrians were victims,” said the Police.
The police released a comparison of Easter holiday figures recorded in 2023 and 2024.
In 2023, there were 288 traffic accidents, 16 fatal road accidents, 29 deaths, and 145 injuries.
Furthermore, In 2024, there were 286 traffic accidents, 26 fatal road accidents, 27 deaths, and 159 injuries.
The ZRP confirmed two fatal accidents during the Easter holiday in their statement.
“In one of the fatal road traffic accidents recorded on 30th March 2024 along Percy Iboston Road near rail crossing, Cowdry Park, Bulawayo, a yet to identified man was killed after being hit by a Honda Fit vehicle.
“In another fatal road traffic accident a yet to identified woman was hit by a a Nissan NV 350 vehicle whilst crossing Seke Road near Delport Road on the 29th March 2024 at around 1230hrs,” said the Police.
The ZRP also confirmed two serious accidents during the Easter holiday in their statement.
“Meanwhile, a serious road traffic accident was recorded on the 29th March 2024 at the 302 km peg along Harare – Chirundu Road where 14 people were injured when an Andile Coaches bus carrying 19 passengers veered off the road, overturned before landing on its roof.
“In another serious road traffic accident which was recorded on Easter Monday on 1 April 2024 at about 0220hrs at the 119 kilometre peg along Mutare – Masvingo Road, 62 people were injured when a Passion Link Coaches bus carrying 72 congregants veered off the road to the left before overturning and landing on its roof,” Police said.
The police encouraged road users to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
“There is need for motorists and stakeholders to have a total change of mindset when it comes to the road safety during holidays.
“The Police implores drivers to avoid speeding in situations which are clearly not safe to do so and overtaking when the road conditions are not favorable to them,” read the statement.
Meanwhile, Police confirmed the arrest of a suspected murder and attempted murder Peter Dube at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport yesterday afternoon.
“The ZRP confirms that murder and attempted murder suspect, Peter Dube has been deported from Mozambique because of fake national identity and passport documents. A team of ZRP detectives received him at 1405 hours at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
The suspect is in police custody and is expected to appear in in court in due course.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
