BY SAMUEL NJINGA
As Zimbabweans thronged the country’s highways ahead of the Easter and Independence holidays in April this year, the familiar mix of excitement and urgency once again translated into tragedy on the roads, with police recording a sharp increase in traffic accidents during the festive period.
Statistics released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) show that 384 road traffic accidents were recorded during the holiday period, compared to 286 during the same period in 2024 — a worrying surge that has reignited calls for greater caution among motorists and pedestrians alike.
Although the number of fatal accidents declined slightly from 26 last year to 21 this year, 24 people lost their lives, down from 27 in 2024. The number of injuries, however, rose from 159 to 178, underscoring the continued human cost of negligence, speeding and dangerous driving.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi described the increase in overall crashes as deeply concerning.
“While we note the decline in fatal road traffic accidents and deaths, the significant rise in the total number of accidents is a serious concern,” said Commissioner Nyathi. “Motorists must exercise caution and adhere strictly to road rules and regulations at all times.”
The holiday period, which traditionally sees heightened traffic volumes as families travel to rural homes, resorts and places of worship, was marred by several high-profile crashes.
On April 21, a Toyota Hiace kombi carrying 18 passengers veered off the road and overturned along the Harare–Bulawayo Highway near Norton. Four people died — three on the spot and one upon admission at Norton Hospital — while 14 others sustained injuries. Police investigations indicated possible speeding and failure to maintain proper control of the vehicle.
In separate incidents, pedestrians also bore the brunt of reckless driving. Three fatal hit-and-run cases were recorded during the holiday period. In one case, a 66-year-old man was struck along the Harare–Bulawayo Road near Whitehouse by a vehicle that failed to stop. He later died at Parirenyatwa Group Hospital.
Commissioner Nyathi strongly condemned the growing trend of drivers fleeing accident scenes.
“Motorists are reminded that it is a legal obligation to stop, render assistance and report any road traffic accident to the police,” he said. “Hit-and-run cases are criminal offences, and the law will take its course against offenders.”
Road safety experts say the Easter statistics reflect broader patterns on Zimbabwe’s roads, where human error remains the leading cause of accidents. Speeding, misjudged overtaking, driver fatigue, overloading and driving under the influence of alcohol continue to feature prominently in crash reports.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has repeatedly warned that holiday periods require heightened vigilance, as increased traffic volumes and long-distance travel create conditions where minor lapses in judgment can have devastating consequences.
For many families, the statistics represent more than numbers — they signify lives permanently altered. Survivors often face long hospital stays, mounting medical bills and lasting trauma, while bereaved families endure emotional scars that may never fully heal.
Police say they intensified roadblocks, patrols and vehicle inspections ahead of the holidays, targeting unroadworthy vehicles and errant drivers. Yet authorities acknowledge that enforcement alone cannot end the carnage.
Road safety ultimately depends on individual responsibility.
Simple measures — observing speed limits, avoiding dangerous overtaking, resting adequately before long trips, wearing seat belts and refraining from using mobile phones while driving — can mean the difference between life and death.
As Zimbabwe prepares for future public holidays and peak travel seasons, law enforcement agencies are urging motorists to reflect on the Easter experience and adopt safer driving habits.
“The preservation of life is everyone’s responsibility,” Commissioner Nyathi said. “We appeal to all road users to prioritise safety so that families reach their destinations and return home without tragedy.”
The Easter 2025 figures serve as a stark reminder: behind every statistic is a human story. And unless attitudes change, the cycle of holiday heartbreak will continue to repeat itself on the nation’s roads.