ZRP Bakkie Collides — Four people, including two Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, sustained critical injuries late Saturday night after a Mercedes-Benz vehicle collided with a police patrol truck at Lewisam Business Centre, along the busy Harare-Mutoko highway.
The accident occurred around midnight as a ZRP single-cab Ford 4×4 bakkie was responding to a call from Mandara residents who had lodged complaints about excessive noise coming from a popular nightspot near Chikurubi Damview. The residents reportedly alerted authorities after enduring persistent noise disturbances, especially during weekends, which they said were interfering with their peace and causing sleepless nights.
According to multiple eyewitnesses at the scene, the Mercedes-Benz, which was approaching from an adjoining road, failed to yield to the oncoming ZRP vehicle, resulting in a violent collision. The police vehicle, which had its emergency lights on, was travelling at considerable speed at the time of the crash.
“There were sirens, but it seems the Mercedes driver either didn’t see the vehicle or misjudged the speed. It all happened so fast. The impact was terrible,” said Tendai Nyamupfukudza, a vendor who witnessed the ZRP Bakkie and Mercedes-Benz crash.
Four Critically Injured as ZRP Patrol Vehicle Collides with Mercedes-Benz in Harare
The force of the collision left both vehicles badly mangled, with debris scattered across the road. Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, including paramedics and fire services. The injured officers and passengers from both vehicles were rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment. As of Sunday morning, medical officials confirmed that all four individuals were in critical but stable condition.
ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the incident in a brief statement and noted that investigations were underway to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the crash.
“Our officers were attending to a legitimate public disturbance report when the unfortunate accident occurred. We are working with relevant authorities to investigate the matter and urge all motorists to observe road rules, particularly when approaching intersections and when emergency vehicles are in motion,” he said.
The intersection at Lewisam Business Centre, a known traffic hotspot, has seen a spate of accidents in recent years. Residents and local councillors have previously called for improved road signage, functioning traffic lights, and better street lighting to reduce risks, especially at night.
“Drivers are often reckless around here, especially during weekends. We’ve lost too many lives due to avoidable accidents. Something has to be done urgently,” said Mandara resident and community organiser, Rutendo Chari.
Meanwhile, in a separate road incident on the same night, a refrigerated delivery truck travelling from Harare towards Shamva veered off the road and crashed into a roadside storm drain near Nyakupfuwa farm, shortly after the Shamva turn-off. The driver is said to have lost control of the vehicle, reportedly due to brake failure. Miraculously, no injuries were reported in that incident.
“The driver said he noticed something was wrong with the brakes and tried to manoeuvre the vehicle to safety. Luckily, the road was clear, and no one was hurt,” said a witness who assisted at the scene.
Authorities have since issued fresh warnings to all motorists using major highways and urban routes to exercise caution, especially during late-night hours when visibility is low and driver fatigue is more common.
Transport safety advocates are also urging the government to implement tighter regulations on night-time driving for commercial and public service vehicles. They have called for more routine vehicle inspections, particularly for trucks and buses, as well as increased investment in traffic management infrastructure.
As investigations into the Harare-Mutoko highway crash continue, the public is being reminded to remain alert on the roads and to give way to emergency vehicles as required by law. Further updates on the condition of the injured officers and civilians will be released as more information becomes available.
