Tractor accidents kill 6 in Masvingo in one month

Authorities have raised alarm over a surge in road accidents involving agricultural tractors in Masvingo Province, with at least six lives lost in the past month alone. The disturbing trend has prompted calls for urgent action to improve road safety and awareness among tractor operators.

Masvingo Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) Provincial Head, Henry Kahiya, revealed the statistics during a Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) campaign held at Zishumbe Shopping Centre along the Masvingo-Mutare Road.

"There is a worrying trend of accidents in Masvingo Province involving tractors," said Kahiya. "Within a month, we have lost six lives due to tractor-related incidents. That's a big concern. Recently, government officials also perished in separate accidents involving tractors at Mutimurefu Prisons and in Mashava."

Kahiya emphasized the need for targeted education for farmers and miners who operate tractors, many of whom may lack formal road safety training. He said the VID was developing strategies to raise awareness and enforce regulations more effectively.

He also stressed the importance of the five pillars of traffic safety — enforcement, evaluation, education, engineering, and emergency response — in reducing fatalities and improving inter-agency coordination.

Adding to the gravity of the issue, Commissioner Fredrik Mbengwa, Officer Commanding Masvingo Province, disclosed that 18 lives had been lost in just 13 accidents along a 60km stretch of the Masvingo-Mutare road between June 2024 and May 2025.

"Even when we place roadblocks to control speed, many drivers speed up again immediately after passing them," said Mbengwa. "Our gathering today is driven by the tragic loss of life on this road. We urge the public to report drivers who speed or drink and drive."

He also urged pedestrians to be vigilant, noting that human error remained the leading cause of road fatalities.

"Pedestrians must exercise caution when crossing roads, even at designated points. Many accidents are caused by mechanical failure or reckless driving like receiving phone calls or changing music while on the road," he said.

Masvingo Traffic Officer Blessing Sai highlighted another growing risk — the removal of roadside fences — which has led to an increase in accidents involving stray animals.

"Drivers must adjust their speed depending on the condition of the road, weather, and traffic. Most of our roads are no longer fenced because communities have removed the barriers, exposing motorists to stray animals," said Sai.

Authorities vowed to intensify traffic safety campaigns and work more closely with local communities to address these growing safety concerns, particularly as more tractors and unregulated vehicles continue to share public roads.