At least six people have lost their lives in tractor-related accidents in Masvingo Province over the past month, prompting renewed concern over road safety and the regulation of farm and mining vehicles.
The disturbing trend was revealed by the Provincial Head of the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), Henry Kahiya, during a traffic safety awareness campaign held at Zishumbe Shopping Centre along the busy Masvingo-Mutare Road. The campaign, hosted by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), aimed to raise awareness about road safety, particularly in rural and farming communities where tractor usage is prevalent.
“There is a worrying rise in tractor-related accidents. In just one month, six lives have been lost in separate incidents, including government employees from Mutimurefu Prisons and the mining community of Mashava,” said Kahiya.
Kahiya attributed many of the accidents to a lack of proper road safety training among tractor operators, many of whom work in agriculture or mining sectors and may not have received formal instruction or licensing.
“There is an urgent need for targeted education and stricter enforcement, especially among farmers and small-scale miners who use tractors for transportation and other off-road activities. Many are unaware of basic traffic regulations or the dangers posed by operating such machinery on public roads,” he said.
Kahiya emphasized the critical role of the five pillars of traffic safety—education, enforcement, engineering, emergency response, and evaluation—in reducing road accidents. He urged stakeholders to work together in implementing these principles at both local and national levels.
The issue of road safety was further highlighted by Commissioner Fredrik Mbengwa, Officer Commanding Masvingo Province, who shared sobering statistics about accidents along a 60-kilometre stretch of the Masvingo-Mutare Road. Between June 2024 and May 2025, the area recorded 13 serious accidents, resulting in 18 fatalities and 8 serious injuries.
Six Die In Masvingo Tractor Horror accident
“Even with regular roadblocks and checkpoints, drivers tend to speed as soon as they pass law enforcement. This behavior is putting lives at risk,” said Mbengwa.
He appealed to the public to remain vigilant and proactive in promoting safety by reporting reckless driving, particularly instances of drunk driving and excessive speeding, which continue to contribute significantly to road fatalities in the province.
Mbengwa also called on pedestrians to remain alert, especially in areas where mechanical failures, unlicensed drivers, and speeding remain persistent threats.
Masvingo Traffic Officer Blessing Sai raised additional concerns about deteriorating road conditions, particularly the absence of roadside fencing in many parts of the province. He warned that stray animals are becoming an increasing hazard, especially on poorly lit roads at night.
“Many communities have removed fences for farming or firewood collection, and this has increased the number of stray animals wandering onto roads. Drivers must always adjust their speed based on the environment, traffic volume, and weather conditions,” said Sai.
He encouraged drivers, especially those operating heavy-duty vehicles like tractors and haulage trucks, to exercise greater caution. Sai also urged communities to work with local councils and law enforcement agencies to find sustainable ways to keep animals off the roads.
Authorities at the campaign pledged to continue working with stakeholders to enhance road safety in Masvingo and reduce preventable deaths. They acknowledged that while enforcement is important, long-term change will depend on sustained education, community involvement, and investment in safer road infrastructure.
The TSCZ campaign forms part of a broader national strategy to reduce Zimbabwe’s high rate of road fatalities, particularly in rural areas where tractor and livestock-related accidents have spiked in recent years.
As the rainy season approaches and road conditions worsen, officials are urging the public to prioritize safety—whether as drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.
“We must all play a role in preventing these unnecessary deaths. One life lost is one too many,” said Kahiya.
