Reckless driving, speeding, dangerous overtaking, and poorly maintained vehicles were the main killers on Zimbabwe’s roads during the 2025 Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned—as new data reveals a sharp jump in accidents and fatalities compared to last year.
From August 11 to 13, police recorded:
196 total accidents—up 32% from 149 in 2024.
13 fatal accidents, up 62.5% from 8 last year.
24 deaths, a 50% increase from 16 in 2024.
96 injuries, up 25% from 77.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi called the figures “worrying,”stressing that most of the carnage could have been avoided had drivers obeyed road rules and maintained their vehicles.
“Drivers should avoid speeding and overtaking in unsafe situations. Members of the public are encouraged to wear reflective clothing to increase visibility at night,” Nyathi said.
The Deadliest Incidents
Mutare–Masvingo Road (Aug 11): Six Zion Christian Church congregants were killed and 16 injured when a hired Quantum overturned at 2am. Cause: suspected speeding and driver fatigue.
Bindura–Shamva Road (Aug 12): Four killed, 17 injured after an overloaded Toyota Hiace’s tire burst. Cause: poor vehicle maintenance and overloading.
Masvingo–Mbalabala Road (Aug 11): Two killed after a Toyota Hilux overturned. Cause: speeding.
Checheche Rimai Road (Aug 12): A 16-year-old girl died after falling from a moving lorry. Cause: unsafe transport of passengers.
Hatfield, Harare (Aug 12): A pedestrian was killed by a Toyota Spade. Cause: speeding in an urban area.
High Glen Road, Harare (Aug 11): Pedestrian injured by a Honda Fit. Cause: failure to give way.
Zimbabwe loses an estimated 5 lives a day to road traffic crashes, according to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ). Holidays worsen the toll due to:
Increased travel volumes.
Fatigue from long-distance driving.
Higher incidence of overloaded, poorly serviced public transport.
Risky behavior by private motorists under holiday time pressure.
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