A series of devastating road accidents across Zimbabwe within seven days have claimed the lives of four people and left several others injured, highlighting the ongoing challenges related to road safety in the country. The incidents, spread across different provinces, underscore the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
The first accident, reported by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), occurred on Monday, 16 December, on the Harare-Nyamapanda Road in Mashonaland East Province. The ZRP statement detailed the collision: “The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 16/12/24 at around 1350 hours at the 156 kilometre peg along Harare-Nyamapanda Road.
“Two people were killed while four others were injured when a Toyota Hilux vehicle with one passenger on board side-swiped with a Honda Fit vehicle carrying five passengers. As a result of the accident, the Toyota Hilux vehicle overturned and landed on its side while the Honda Fit vehicle overturned and landed on its wheels.” This accident alone resulted in two fatalities and four injuries.
Separately, two other fatal accidents occurred in the Midlands province over the weekend. Midlands Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed these incidents, which occurred on the Harare-Bulawayo Road on 14 and 15 December.
The first Midlands accident took place on Saturday at approximately 7:20 am. Inspector Mahoko described the events: “Ray Murefu (53) of Bulawayo was driving a Toyota Hilux along the Harare-Bulawayo Road with three passengers on board. On reaching the 322 km peg, the rear right tyre of his vehicle burst. As a result, the vehicle veered off the road and overturned.” Police responded, transporting Murefu and his passengers to Gweru Provincial Hospital. Tragically, one passenger, Zondi Murefu (80), died upon arrival.
A second fatal accident in the Midlands unfolded the following day, Sunday, 15 December. Inspector Mahoko reported: “In the second incident, the now deceased Siyenzeni Helegwa (40) was aboard a Ford Bantam motor vehicle which was being driven by Tafadzwa Helegwa (41) of Redcliff. There were three other passengers in the motor vehicle. Upon reaching the 223 km peg along the same road, the vehicle veered off the road and hit a tree.”
The victims were taken to Kwekwe District Hospital, where Siyenzeni Helegwa was pronounced dead. Inspector Mahoko added: “Others are still admitted at the hospital. They have varying degrees of injuries.”
These multiple accidents highlight the persistent challenges facing road safety across Zimbabwe. While specific causes for each incident require further investigation, common contributing factors often include speeding, driver distraction (using mobile phones or eating while driving), unsafe lane changes, tailgating, disregard for traffic regulations, vehicle mechanical defects, poor road conditions, and driver fatigue.
