At least 100 people have died from the reported 2412 road traffic accidents.
In a statement, national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that the road traffic accident statistics were recorded from December 15 to 26 compared to the same period in 2024.
“A total of 2 412 road traffic accidents were recorded between 15th and 26th December 2025, compared to 1 211 during the same period in 2024.
“In 2025, 87 fatal road traffic accidents were recorded, compared to 65 in 2024. The number of people killed stood at 100, compared to 77 in the same period the previous year.
“471 people were injured, compared to 401 during the same period in 2024.
“For the people killed, an analysis of road accident fatalities by road user groups revealed the following: Drivers, 10, passengers 44, Scotch carts 2, riders 4, Cyclists 3, and pedestrians 37.”
Commissioner Nyathi, said the most serious fatal road accident recorded during the period occurred on 17 December 2025 at the 185 km peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road, near the Suswe area.
“A Honda Fit travelling from Mutoko to Kotwa, carrying ten occupants, was involved in a head-on collision with a haulage truck travelling towards Harare.
“The collision resulted in the death of ten occupants in the Honda Fit vehicle
“A preliminary review of the road traffic accidents recorded on major highways across the country during the period points to recurring and preventable causal factors largely attributable to driver behaviour and vehicle-related issues, which resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
“Most of the accidents involved head-on collisions, which were mainly due to vehicles encroaching onto lanes of oncoming traffic or engaging in dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.
“These actions demonstrate poor judgment, disregard for traffic regulations and failure to observe road markings.
“Excessive speeding was also identified as the major contributing factor in the reported accidents, frequently resulting in loss of vehicle control.
“Several incidents involved vehicles veering off the road, overturning, or colliding with trees or, particularly, during early morning and nighttime hours.
“These crashes suggest that drivers were travelling at speeds beyond their ability to safely control their vehicles, a risk often worsened by fatigue or inattention.”
He further said, the analysis further shows that tyre bursts were a major contributing factor in a number of the fatal road traffic accidents, particularly those involving public service vehicles such as Toyota Hiace kombis.
In these cases, tyre failure resulted in vehicles overturning, causing deaths and serious injuries to passengers.
This trend points to poor vehicle maintenance, the use of worn-out or substandard tyres, overloading and failure to conduct routine vehicle inspections before embarking on journeys.
“Overloading was also identified as a significant risk factor, as it compromises vehicle stability, places excessive strain on brakes and reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, especially at high speeds.
“The Police urge pedestrians to exercise caution on the roads and observe all road rules and regulations.
“The number of pedestrians killed during the period is disturbing.
“It is also sad to note that some pedestrians were struck by vehicles while walking on the road with cellphones plugged on earphones and listening to music
“Pedestrians are reminded to avoid jaywalking and always use designated crossing points such as pedestrian crossings and traffic-controlled intersections.
“No major road traffic accident involving public service vehicles was recorded during the period
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urge motorists to strictly adhere to road rules and regulations.
“We call on drivers to act responsibly and be exemplary on the roads to safeguard lives as the New Year holiday approaches.”
