16 People Killed In Two Separate Road Accidents

Police have confirmed that seven people were killed in a road traffic accident on 16 July at the 109km peg along the Harare-Chirundu Road near Chinhoyi Heroes Acre. The crash involved a Nissan AD Van and a Nissan NV350 commuter omnibus.

Earlier, police had said six people had died, but the figure has since been revised to seven.

Reports suggest the driver of the Nissan AD Van failed to comply with a police order to stop and was being pursued towards Chinhoyi Central Police Station when the crash happened.

In a statement issued on Friday, 17 July, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi appeared to confirm that the driver had resisted arrest before the accident.

“Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that it is legal or lawful for a police officer to impound vehicles found to be involved in traffic violations and related criminal acts to a secure place, which in this case is a Police Station,” said Comm Nyathi.

“Therefore, drivers are strongly warned against resisting arrest, fighting Police Officers and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

“Rather, it is incumbent for drivers to cooperate and contribute towards the effective maintenance of law and order in the country.”

Comm Nyathi also said police are investigating the circumstances in which nine people died at Ruti Dam, Buhera, on 17 July 2026 at around 04:30 AM.

He said the driver of a Nissan Caravan kombi had negligently stopped his vehicle at the Ruti Dam Wall to load luggage after using a stone instead of the handbrake to bring it to a halt.

“Sadly, the vehicle moved and plunged into the Ruti Dam. The vehicle was carrying 12 congregants from Gutu to Buhera for a church function,” he said.

“More details in relation to the two unfortunate accidents will be released in due course as investigations continue.”