The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reported a sharp increase in road traffic accidents and fatalities during the 2025 festive season, with 100 people killed between December 15 and December 26, up from 77 during the same period last year.
In a press statement released on Monday, the police said a total of 2,412 road traffic accidents were recorded nationwide during the period under review, almost double the 1,211 accidents reported over the same dates in 2024. Of these, 87 were fatal accidents, compared to 65 last year. The number of injured persons also rose from 401 in 2024 to 471 in 2025.
An analysis of fatalities by road user category shows that pedestrians were the most affected, accounting for 37 deaths. Passengers accounted for 44 fatalities, while 10 drivers were killed. Other victims included cyclists (three), riders (four) and two occupants of scotch carts.
The most serious crash occurred on December 17, 2025, at the 185-kilometre peg along the Harare–Nyamapanda Road near Suswe. A Honda Fit carrying 10 occupants collided head-on with a haulage truck travelling towards Harare. All 10 occupants of the Honda Fit died at the scene.
According to the ZRP, preliminary assessments indicate that most of the accidents were preventable and were largely caused by driver error and vehicle-related defects. Head-on collisions were the most common, often resulting from dangerous overtaking, lane encroachment and failure to observe road markings.
Excessive speeding was identified as a major contributing factor, with several crashes involving vehicles veering off the road, overturning or colliding with fixed objects such as trees. These incidents were particularly common during night-time and early morning hours, suggesting fatigue and loss of concentration among drivers.
Tyre bursts were also cited as a significant cause of fatal accidents, especially involving public service vehicles such as Toyota Hiace kombis. The police attributed this trend to poor vehicle maintenance, use of worn-out or substandard tyres, overloading and failure to conduct routine vehicle inspections.
Overloading was flagged as a critical risk factor, with police warning that it compromises vehicle stability, increases tyre strain and reduces a driver’s ability to maintain control, particularly at high speeds.
The ZRP expressed concern over the high number of pedestrian fatalities, noting that some victims were struck while walking on roads wearing earphones and using mobile phones. Pedestrians were urged to avoid jaywalking and to use designated crossing points, including pedestrian crossings and traffic-controlled intersections.
Despite the grim statistics, the police said no major road traffic accident involving public service vehicles was recorded during the period.
As the New Year holiday approaches, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has called on motorists to strictly adhere to road rules and traffic regulations, urging drivers to act responsibly to prevent further loss of life.
The statement was issued by Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations at Police General Headquarters.
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