Kadoma, Zimbabwe – A tragic road traffic accident along the Harare–Bulawayo Road claimed the lives of three people and left three others critically injured on Monday afternoon, authorities confirmed. The incident, which has reignited concerns about road safety in Zimbabwe’s high-traffic corridors, occurred near the 129-kilometre peg, approximately midway between Kadoma and Chegutu.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the crash via their official X account, noting that the collision took place at around 4:25pm. “The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on December 1 at approximately 4:25pm at the 129-kilometre peg along the Harare–Bulawayo Road, Kadoma,” the statement read.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, travelling towards Kadoma, collided head-on with a Honda Fit heading in the opposite direction towards Chegutu. The Honda Fit reportedly had five passengers on board, three of whom later succumbed to their injuries. Police reports did not immediately confirm the identities of the deceased but stated that their bodies had been taken to Kadoma General Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
The three survivors were admitted to the same hospital, where they are receiving treatment for serious injuries sustained during the collision. Hospital officials described their conditions as critical but stable, and medical teams are working to stabilise their health.
Three dead, three injured in fatal crash along Harare–Bulawayo highway near Kadoma
While the exact cause of the accident is under investigation, authorities have called on motorists to exercise heightened caution on major highways, particularly during late afternoons when traffic volume is high and visibility may be reduced. Road safety experts point out that head-on collisions, such as the one reported, are often caused by overtaking errors, speeding, or failure to maintain proper lane discipline.
The Harare–Bulawayo Road, one of Zimbabwe’s busiest intercity routes, has a long history of fatal traffic incidents. Over the years, authorities have implemented measures such as increased police patrols, installation of speed monitoring cameras, and public awareness campaigns to reduce accidents. Despite these efforts, crashes remain frequent, particularly in sections prone to sharp bends and heavy commercial vehicle traffic.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged road users to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to traffic regulations. “We call on all drivers to exercise patience and caution, especially when travelling long distances. Accidents such as this highlight the need for responsible driving at all times,” he said.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the aftermath as chaotic, with vehicles and debris scattered across the highway. Motorists travelling behind the two cars had to swerve to avoid the wreckage, and traffic was temporarily halted while emergency services attended to the victims. Fire and rescue teams, alongside police officers, were among the first responders to arrive and assist in removing the injured and clearing the scene.
Local residents and community leaders have expressed their sorrow over the incident, calling for enhanced road safety measures along the highway. “This section of the road is dangerous, especially with the increase in traffic. We urge authorities to consider additional signage, speed calming measures, and stricter enforcement of traffic rules to prevent further tragedies,” said a Kadoma community representative.
The incident has reignited public debates about road safety in Zimbabwe, particularly on national highways connecting major cities. Citizens continue to advocate for comprehensive strategies, including better driver education, increased road maintenance, and enhanced traffic monitoring, as part of efforts to reduce the frequency of fatal accidents.
Police have opened a formal investigation into the collision, including reviewing driver behaviour, vehicle conditions, and road circumstances at the time of the crash. Authorities have also appealed to any witnesses to come forward and provide additional information to aid the investigation.
As the country mourns the loss of three lives in this tragic accident, the ZRP has reiterated the importance of defensive driving, especially on long-distance routes that see heavy commercial and passenger traffic. “Every motorist has a responsibility to ensure their actions do not endanger others on the road. We urge all road users to obey traffic laws and prioritise safety at all times,” the police statement concluded.
The three deceased victims are awaiting post-mortem examination at Kadoma General Hospital, while their families and friends await further updates regarding burial arrangements. Meanwhile, authorities continue to treat the matter with urgency, seeking to prevent similar incidents in the future through stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
Source- Byo24
