30 killed in Easter road accidents as pedestrian deaths soar

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has recorded 337 road traffic accidents during the 2026 Easter holiday, resulting in 30 deaths, a sharp rise from 24 fatalities in the same period last year, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has said.

Presenting the 2026 Easter holiday accident statistics, Commissioner Nyathi said the number of fatal accidents increased from 21 in 2025 to 22 this year, even as total accidents dropped from 384 to 337.

Injuries, however, declined from 178 to 104.

“During the 2026 Easter Holiday, a total of 337 road traffic accidents were recorded compared to 384 accidents during the same period in 2025.

“Of these, 22 were fatal accidents resulting in 30 deaths, compared to 21 fatal accidents in 2025 which claimed 24 lives,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

Out of the 30 people killed, pedestrians accounted for the majority, 19 deaths, or 63.3 percent of the total.

“Out of the 30 people killed, the majority were pedestrians, accounting for 19 deaths, which is approximately 63 percent of the total,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

Passengers followed with seven fatalities (23.3 percent), drivers three (10 percent), and one rider (3.3 percent).

Commissioner Nyathi identified speeding as the primary cause of the crashes.

“During the 2026 Easter Holiday, speeding was identified as the leading cause of the road traffic accidents, with many motorists losing control of their vehicles and overturning.
“Unsafe overtaking also contributed to head-on collisions recorded during the period.”

No major accident involving public service vehicles was recorded during the holiday itself. However, on the eve of the period, on 2 April 2026, a fatal head-on collision occurred on the Harare-Masvingo Road.

“On the eve of the period under review, on 2nd April 2026, a fatal road traffic accident was recorded where six (6) family members were killed when a Toyota Corolla vehicle had a head-on collision with a truck at the 246 km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Road.”

In another tragic incident on 3 April 2026 along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road, seven people died after a truck ploughed into three vehicles and pedestrians who had gathered at an earlier crash scene.

“Among the recorded incidents was a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 51 kilometre peg along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road on 3 April 2026 at approximately 2110 hours.”

“Seven (7) people were killed and four (4) others injured when a truck rammed into three (3) vehicles, a Nissan March, Toyota Probox and Toyota Hiace (Baby Quantum), which had been involved in an accident earlier.

“The truck struck the three vehicles and the pedestrians who had gathered at the scene, resulting in the fatalities.”

Police have now revealed that three separate hit-and-run fatal accidents occurred on a single day , 4 April 2026, in Masvingo Province, all involving pedestrians.

The first incident happened at around 0130 hours at the 91 km peg along the Masvingo–Beitbridge Road, where an unidentified motorist struck and killed a pedestrian before fleeing.

The second took place near the Roman Catholic Church near Zengeza Business Centre, Renco Mine, where a Volvo abnormal load truck struck a pedestrian and failed to stop, the victim dying on the spot. The third was recorded at the 22 km peg along the Masvingo–Copota Road, where another unknown driver hit a pedestrian and sped off.

In response, Commissioner Nyathi issued a stern warning to motorists, demanding responsible behaviour.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists involved in accidents must stop, render first aid where possible and report every accident to the Police,” he said.

He also gave specific safety directives for drivers on the road.

“Motorists are also urged to use reflective warning triangles in the event of breakdowns or accidents, reduce speed and exercise caution when approaching vehicles with hazard lights turned on,” Nyathi stated.

“Above all, motorists are urged to act responsibly, adhere to all road rules and regulations and prioritize the safety of all road users,” he added.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant as investigations into the hit-and-run cases continue. No arrests have been reported so far.