Harare, (New Ziana)- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced a rise in road traffic accidents recorded during the just ended Independence and Easter holidays, despite a slight decrease in the number of fatalities compared to the same period last year.
In a statement on Tuesday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said a total of 384 road traffic accidents were recorded during the just ended holidays, marking sharp increase from 286 recorded last year.
This year, the number of fatal accidents dropped to 21, with 24 people killed, compared to last year when 27 people died in 26 crashes that also left 159 people injured, down from 178 last year. “Although we recorded a reduction in fatal accidents and deaths, we remain concerned about the increase in total road traffic accidents,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on April 21 along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, about 51km from the capital when a Toyota Hiace commuter omnibus carrying 18 passengers veered off the road and overturned, killing 4 people and injuring 14 others.
Three of the passengers died on the spot, while the fourth passed away at the Norton Hospital. Hit-and-run accidents also contributed to the death toll with three cases recorded in Murewa, Mashonaland East province, and Harare.
These included a pedestrian struck by a motorcyclist on April 19 in Mutoko, Mashonaland East province again, and another man who died on April 20 at the Tynwald flyover, along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, after being hit by an unidentified vehicle.
On the same day, a 66-year-old man was killed by a Nissan Caravan whose driver failed to stop after the crash which occurred near the Puma service station in Whitehouse, a few kilometers west of the capital.
Com Nyathi urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, stressing the importance of reporting accidents and assisting victims. “Motorists must stop, render first aid, and report road traffic accidents to the police. We continue to urge drivers to be responsible and follow all road rules to protect lives,” he said.
New Ziana
