The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) responded to a tragic road traffic accident that occurred on June 6, 2025, along Luveve Road near Machipisini Shops in Bulawayo. The incident involved a white Toyota Hiace carrying 18 passengers and two female juvenile pedestrians standing by the roadside. Unfortunately, the accident resulted in the death of one of the juveniles and serious injuries to the other.
According to a press statement by ZRP Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the Press and Public Relations Officer for Bulawayo Province, the accident happened at approximately 7:30 a.m. A 36-year-old male driver from Cowdray Park was driving the Toyota Hiace eastwards along Luveve Road when he lost control of the vehicle. The van veered off the road to the left and struck two young girls, aged 16 and 17 years old, who were standing roughly 20 meters from the road.
The two victims are both Form 3 students at a local school in Bulawayo. The 16-year-old girl suffered severe head injuries and tragically died at the scene. Her 17-year-old friend sustained fractured legs and was immediately transported by ambulance to Mpilo Hospital, where she is currently in stable condition.
Inspector Msebele noted that the driver escaped the accident without any physical injuries. However, due to the circumstances of the crash, over speeding is suspected as the primary cause. The police have since charged the driver with culpable homicide, a serious criminal offense for causing death by negligent driving.
The ZRP has used this unfortunate incident to remind all motorists of their responsibility to drive safely. Inspector Msebele urged drivers to exercise caution, avoid reckless speeding, and comply strictly with traffic laws. She emphasized that such carelessness not only endangers the lives of drivers and passengers but also innocent pedestrians and bystanders.
“This accident could have been avoided if road safety regulations were observed,” said Inspector Msebele. “We urge all road users to remain vigilant and patient while on the roads to prevent further tragedies.”
The police continue to investigate the accident thoroughly to establish all the factors that led to this fatal incident. Meanwhile, families, school communities, and local residents have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the young girl and offered support to the injured student.
Pupils involved in a fatal road accident in Bulawayo
This accident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe at large, where pedestrian accidents remain a critical issue. The ZRP’s message is clear: speeding and negligence on the roads have deadly consequences, and strict adherence to traffic laws is essential to protect lives.
The authorities are calling on the public to cooperate fully during investigations and to report any reckless driving they witness on the roads. The government and road safety organizations continue to advocate for better awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to reduce road accidents and fatalities across the country.
As the injured student recovers in hospital, the community mourns the loss of the young life taken too soon in this devastating accident. The ZRP remains committed to upholding justice and improving road safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
