Thirty people were killed while 104 were injured in 337 road traffic accidents during the 2026 Easter Holidays.
Despite the country recording a decrease in road traffic accidents this year, as compared to 2025, fatalities increased, with pedestrians accounting for a large number of those who were killed.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that, during the 2026 Easter Holiday, a total of 337 road traffic accidents were recorded compared to 384 accidents during the same period in 2025.
“Of these, 22 were fatal accidents resulting in 30 deaths, compared to 21 fatal accidents in 2025, which claimed 24 lives.
“The number of injured persons decreased from 178 in 2025 to 104 in 2026.
“During the 2026 Easter Holiday, no major road traffic accident involving public service vehicles was recorded.
“On the eve of the period under review, on April 2, a fatal road traffic accident was recorded where six (06) family members were killed when a Toyota Corolla vehicle had a head-on collision with a truck at the 246 km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Road.”
Out of the 30 people killed, the majority were pedestrians, accounting for 19 deaths, which is approximately 63 percent of the total.
“Passengers represented the second-largest group, with seven fatalities, roughly 23 percent of the total.
“Drivers accounted for only three deaths, which is 10 percent, and one rider was killed, making up just over 3 percent of the total.
“During the 2026 Easter Holiday, speeding was identified as the leading cause of road traffic accidents, with many motorists losing control of their vehicles and overturning.
“Unsafe overtaking also contributed to head-on collisions recorded during the period,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Among the recorded incidents was a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 51 km peg along the Bulawayo-Beltbridge Road on 3 April 2026 at approximately 2110 hours.
“Seven (07) people were killed and four (04) others injured when a truck rammed into three (03) vehicles, a Nissan March, Toyota Probox and Toyota Hiace (Baby Quantum), which had been involved in an accident earlier.
“The truck struck the three vehicles and the pedestrians who had gathered at the scene, resulting in the fatalities April 4, three hit-and-run fatal road traffic accidents were recorded in Masvingo Province.
“The first occurred at around 01.30 hours at the 91 km peg along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, where an unidentified motorist struck and killed a pedestrian before fleeing the scene. “The second Incident took place near the Roman Catholic Church near Zengeza Business Centre, Renco Mine, where a Volvo abnormal load truck struck a pedestrian and failed to stop.
“The victim died on the spot.
“The third accident occurred at the 22 km peg along the Masvingo-Copota Road, where another unidentified motorist hit a pedestrian and fled, resulting in the victim’s death.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists involved in accidents must stop, render first aid where possible, and report every accident to the Police.
“Motorists are also urged to use reflective warning triangles in the event of breakdowns or accidents, reduce speed, and exercise caution when approaching vehicles with hazard lights turned on.
“Above all, motorists are urged to act responsibly, adhere to all road rules and regulations, and prioritize the safety of all road users.”
