ZRP Reports Increase in Road Traffic Accidents During Festive Season
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released alarming road traffic accident statistics for the festive period from December 15 to December 26, 2025, highlighting a stark contrast to the same timeframe in the previous year.
A total of 2,412 road traffic accidents were reported this December, a significant rise from the 1,211 incidents recorded during the same period in December 2024.
Fatalities also surged, with 87 fatal accidents reported this year compared to 65 last year, leading to 100 fatalities as opposed to last year’s 77. Injuries also increased, with 471 people injured in 2025 compared to 401 in 2024.
The tragic data reveals the following breakdown of those killed:
– Drivers: 10
– Passengers: 44
– Pedestrians: 37
– Cyclists: 3
– Riders:4
– Scotch carts (FICER):2
Among the accidents, the most severe occurred on December 17, 2025, at the 185 km peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road, where a Honda Fit, carrying ten occupants, collided head-on with a haulage truck, resulting in the deaths of all ten passengers in the smaller vehicle.
Preliminary analyses indicate that many of the accidents were caused by prevalent and preventable factors related to driver behavior and vehicle conditions.
Most incidents involved head-on collisions attributed to vehicles straying into oncoming traffic or engaging in perilous overtaking maneuvers.
Excessive speeding was a common factor, often leading to loss of vehicle control. Many accidents occurred during early morning and nighttime hours, suggesting issues with driver attention and fatigue.
Tyre bursts were frequently noted as a significant contributor to these fatal accidents, particularly involving public service vehicles like Toyota Hiace kombis.
The trend underscores poor vehicle maintenance practices, including the use of worn-out tyres and inadequate pre-journey inspections.
Overloading was also identified as a critical risk factor, compromising vehicle stability and making control difficult, especially at higher speeds.
The police have issued a strong warning to pedestrians to exercise greater caution on the roads, noting the disturbing number of pedestrian fatalities, including cases where individuals were distracted by mobile devices while walking.
Authorities urge the public to avoid jaywalking and to utilize designated crossings.
In a silver lining, no major road traffic accidents involving public service vehicles were reported during the designated period.
As the New Year holiday approaches, the ZRP calls on all motorists to adhere strictly to road rules and to act responsibly in order to promote road safety and protect lives.
