100 dead as Zimbabwe sees 100% increase in festive season traffic accidents

Road deaths in Zimbabwe have doubled in a horrific festive season surge. Official police statistics reveal a 100 percent increase in accidents during the key holiday period, with the human cost standing at 100 lives lost.

Commissioner Nyathi, the Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, stated:

“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.”

A police analysis pointed to clear, recurring factors behind the spike in tragedies. Driver behaviour was at the forefront, with dangerous manoeuvres and excessive speed blamed for numerous deaths. The most serious single crash claimed ten lives on 17 December near Suswe on the Harare-Nyamapanda Road.

Commissioner Nyathi’s report was blunt about the causes:

“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 judgement, 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.”

Beyond driver error, the condition of vehicles themselves played a deadly role. The police highlighted tyre failures, particularly on public service vehicles, as a major contributor to fatal accidents. They linked this directly to poor maintenance practices.

The report detailed:

“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. 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.”

The statement also noted that overloading severely compromises vehicle control and stability.

The statistics revealed a troubling number of pedestrian fatalities, with 37 pedestrians killed out of the 100 total deaths. The police expressed particular concern over distracted pedestrians.

The appeal from authorities was clear:

“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.”

As the New Year holiday approached, the Zimbabwe Republic Police urged all motorists to strictly adhere to road rules and act responsibly to safeguard lives. *_-iHarare_*