Zimbabwe's Easter road deaths rise to 30 despite fewer accidents

Zimbabwe recorded a total of 30 road fatalities during the 2026 Easter holiday period, up from 24 deaths in the same period last year, even though the overall number of road traffic accidents declined.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (Zimbabwe Republic Police), 337 accidents were recorded over the holiday, compared to 384 in 2025. However, fatal crashes increased slightly from 21 to 22, contributing to the rise in deaths.

At least 104 people were injured, a significant decrease from 178 injuries recorded during the previous year's Easter period.

Police said pedestrians were the most affected, accounting for 19 deaths - about 63% of the total fatalities. Passengers recorded seven deaths, while drivers accounted for three, and one motorcyclist also died.

Authorities attributed most of the crashes to speeding, loss of vehicle control, and overturning, while unsafe overtaking was cited as a major cause of head-on collisions.

One of the most severe accidents occurred on April 2 along the Harare–Masvingo Road, where six members of the same family died in a head-on collision between a Toyota Corolla and a truck at the 246km peg.

In another major crash on April 3 along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road, seven people died when a truck collided with multiple vehicles before striking pedestrians who had gathered at the scene of a prior accident.

Police noted that no major public service vehicle crashes were recorded during the holiday period.

Authorities continue to urge motorists to exercise caution, particularly during public holidays when traffic volumes increase and road safety risks are heightened.