Harare – Police have confirmed that a total of twelve people lost their lives in separate road traffic accidents across Zimbabwe during the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, underscoring ongoing concerns about road safety during festive periods. Authorities are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution as holiday travel continues.
One of the most severe accidents occurred in the early hours of 11 August on the Mutare–Masvingo Road at the 283-kilometre peg. A Toyota Quantum carrying 22 members of the Zion Christian Church veered off the road, overturned, and landed back on its wheels. Six passengers died instantly at the scene, while the remaining sixteen sustained various injuries. The deceased were transported to Masvingo General Hospital for post-mortem examinations, and the injured were admitted to the same facility for treatment.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with emergency responders working to assist the injured amid traffic congestion and panic among fellow travellers. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, though preliminary reports suggest that driver fatigue or vehicle malfunction may have played a role.
In a separate incident on 10 August near the Hwange Colliery Training Centre at around 5:00 am, a Nissan NP300 experienced a catastrophic failure when its left rim broke, causing the vehicle to veer off the road, overturn, and land on its roof. One person was killed in the crash, while twenty others suffered injuries of varying severity. Police and emergency medical teams promptly responded, transporting the injured to local healthcare facilities for immediate care.
Another fatal crash was reported on 8 August along the Nyanga–Rwenya Road at the 48-kilometre peg, although details regarding the victims and the circumstances of the accident have not yet been fully released by authorities. Police have pledged to provide updates as investigations progress.
Twelve Dead in Road Accidents During Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays
These tragic incidents come amid a nationwide surge in road travel during public holidays, when citizens flock to rural and urban destinations to celebrate national festivities and family gatherings. While public holidays provide a much-needed break for many, they also contribute to increased traffic volumes, elevated fatigue among drivers, and a higher risk of accidents.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokespersons emphasised that many of the accidents could be prevented with basic precautions, including adherence to speed limits, avoidance of driving under fatigue or influence, and regular vehicle maintenance. Road safety campaigns are ongoing, but the recent fatalities have prompted renewed calls for more stringent enforcement of traffic laws.
“Public holidays often see a spike in traffic-related incidents,” a ZRP official said. “We urge all motorists to exercise extreme caution, maintain safe speeds, avoid reckless driving, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. The lives of citizens depend on responsible driving behaviour.”
Transport experts also note that vehicle safety and infrastructure play a critical role in preventing accidents. Poor road conditions, worn-out tyres, and mechanical failures contribute significantly to road crashes in Zimbabwe. Authorities are encouraged to increase inspections and ensure vehicles meet safety standards, particularly before long journeys during peak travel periods.
Community members affected by the accidents have expressed grief and frustration, highlighting the devastating personal and economic consequences of road tragedies. In the case of the Mutare–Masvingo accident, survivors recounted harrowing experiences as the vehicle overturned, with passengers thrown into the air and windows shattered. Families of the deceased are calling for stricter safety measures and more visible traffic policing along major highways.
Health officials have also urged drivers and passengers to carry first aid kits and mobile communication devices to facilitate rapid emergency response. The quick arrival of police and medical personnel in these incidents helped save lives, but timely preventive measures could significantly reduce fatalities.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of road travel, especially during periods of high traffic volumes and holiday celebrations. Authorities continue to investigate the causes of the crashes and are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in their inquiries.
As Zimbabwe reflects on the lives lost during the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, the message from police and road safety advocates is clear: vigilance, adherence to traffic regulations, and responsible driving behaviour are essential to prevent further tragedies. The nation mourns the twelve lives lost, while authorities and citizens alike are called to work together to make roads safer for everyone.
Source- ZimEye
