ZRP dismisses claims of police involvement in fatal Harare CBD accident

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed as false and misleading social media reports claiming that its officers were involved in a fatal road traffic accident in Harare's Central Business District on Wednesday.

In a press release on Thursday, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi addressed the viral claims surrounding the death of 50-year-old Blessing Mangezi, who was struck by a vehicle on January 7, 2026.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of viral social media postings regarding the alleged fatal road traffic accident in Harare Central Business District involving the unfortunate death of Blessing Mangezi (50) on 7 January 2026," the statement reads.

The police confirmed that the victim was hit by a Nissan Vanette truck driven by 32-year-old Tomstone Zuze, who was allegedly speeding at the time of the incident.

"The victim was struck by a motorist, Tomstone Zuze (32), who was driving a Nissan Vanette truck and was speeding in the process," Commissioner Nyathi said, clarifying that no ZRP officer was involved in the accident.