Festive Deaths Not Due to Road Conditions—Police

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has ruled out the state of the country’s roads as the cause of a surge in festive season fatalities, attributing the accidents instead to driver behaviour and vehicle-related issues.

A total of 100 people were killed in road traffic accidents recorded between 15 December and 26 December 2025, compared to 77 during the same period last year.

In a press statement released on 29 December 2025, police said, “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.”

The ZRP said most fatal crashes were head-on collisions.

“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,” said National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

He said such behaviour showed a blatant disregard for traffic rules.

“These actions demonstrate poor judgment, disregard for traffic regulations, and failure to observe road markings,” he added.

Speeding was also cited as a major contributor to the fatal accidents.

“Excessive speeding was a major contributor to the accidents, often leading to loss of control, with vehicles veering off roads, overturning, or crashing into objects, especially at night or early morning,” Commissioner Nyathi stated.

He noted that speeding was often worsened by driver fatigue and inattention.

Vehicle defects and overloading were also highlighted as key risk factors.

“Poor vehicle maintenance, worn-out or substandard tyres, overloading, and lack of routine inspections were identified as key factors in fatal accidents, particularly involving public service vehicles like Toyota Hiace kombis, where tyre bursts led to overturns with devastating consequences,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

“Overloading was also identified as a significant risk factor, as it compromises vehicle stability, places excessive strain on tyres, and reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, especially at high speeds.”

Pedestrians accounted for a significant portion of the deaths, with 37 killed during the period.

Commissioner Nyathi further revealed that some pedestrians were struck while distracted.

Police urged the public to take responsibility on the roads, calling on pedestrians and motorists to strictly observe traffic rules and regulations to avoid further loss of life.