Easter Road Fatalities Rise Despite Drop In Total Accidents

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released road traffic statistics for the 2026 Easter holiday, revealing a rise in deaths despite an overall decrease in the number of accidents compared to 2025.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that 30 people lost their lives on the nation’s roads this year, an increase from the 24 deaths recorded during the same period in 2025. This rise in fatalities occurred despite the total number of accidents falling from 384 to 337.

“Of these, 22 were fatal accidents resulting in 30 deaths, compared to 21 fatal accidents in 2025, which claimed 24 lives. The number of injured persons decreased from 178 in 2025 to 104 in 2026,” Nyathi said.

“During the 2026 Easter Holiday, no major road traffic accident involving public service vehicles was recorded.

“On the eve of the period under review, on 02nd April 2026, a fatal road traffic accident was recorded where six (06) 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.”

The statistics show a particularly dangerous period for those on foot. Pedestrians accounted for a staggering 63.3% of all holiday road deaths, with 19 individuals killed.

“Passengers represented the second-largest group, with seven fatalities, roughly 23% of the total,” said the ZRP spokesperson.

“Drivers accounted for only three deaths, which is 10%, and one rider was killed, making up just over 3% of the total.

“During the 2026 Easter Holiday, speeding was identified as the leading cause of 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.

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

“Seven (07) people were killed, and four (04) others injured when a truck rammed into three (03) 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.”

Commissioner Nyathi confirmed that three fatal hit-and-run accidents were recorded across Masvingo Province on 4 April 2026.

“The first occurred 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 scene,” read the statement.

“The second incident 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 died on the spot.

“The third accident occurred at the 22 km peg along the Masvingo–Copota Road, where another unidentified motorist hit a pedestrian and fled, resulting in the victim’s death.

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

“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.

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