A devastating road traffic accident claimed the lives of four people and left two others injured on 1 October 2025, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed. The incident occurred at the 71km peg along the Harare–Shamva Road, near Madziwa Mine, and has cast a shadow of grief over the community.
According to the police report, the accident involved a Toyota Hilux carrying five passengers en route to Shamva. Eyewitnesses say the driver lost control of the vehicle under circumstances that are still under investigation. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road, overturned several times, and eventually landed upright on its wheels.
By the time emergency services arrived at the scene, four passengers had already succumbed to their injuries. Two others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Shamva Hospital for medical attention.
The ZRP confirmed: “We can confirm a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 71km peg along Harare–Shamva Road, near Madziwa Mine on 1 October 2025. The Toyota Hilux, carrying five passengers, lost control, veered off the road, and overturned several times before coming to rest on its wheels. Four occupants died instantly while two others sustained injuries and were admitted to Shamva Hospital.”
Four Killed in Tragic Madziwa Mine Road Accident
Police and paramedics responded swiftly to the distress calls. The injured victims were stabilised and transported to Shamva Hospital, where they continue to receive medical treatment. The bodies of those who perished in the accident were taken to the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations to determine the exact cause of death.
Local residents and motorists passing by the scene described the accident as shocking and distressing. One witness, who asked not to be named, said: “It happened so fast. We heard the noise of the vehicle overturning and rushed to help. It was a terrible sight — the vehicle was badly damaged, and there were people lying on the roadside. Emergency teams arrived quickly, but unfortunately, four people had already died.”
Another driver who witnessed the accident described seeing the Hilux “swerve uncontrollably” before it overturned. “The road at that point is a bit tricky, and with vehicles travelling at high speed, such accidents can happen in seconds,” he said.
The tragic incident has once again reignited concerns over road safety along the Harare–Shamva route, which has been the site of numerous accidents in recent years. Drivers and road safety advocates have called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, better road maintenance, and increased driver awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies.
Mr. Tendai Chikowore, a road safety advocate, said: “This accident is a painful reminder of the importance of safe driving. Factors such as excessive speed, poor road conditions, and driver fatigue often contribute to crashes. We urge authorities to intensify patrols and enforce speed limits, especially along busy and accident-prone routes like Harare–Shamva.”
The ZRP has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi appealed to all road users to exercise caution. “We extend our condolences to the bereaved families. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Drivers must observe speed limits, avoid reckless driving, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. We urge motorists to be vigilant, especially on challenging routes,” he said.
The tragedy has left the local community mourning the loss of the four lives. Relatives and friends of the victims have described the incident as “heartbreaking” and are calling for justice and measures to prevent such accidents in the future. Community leaders have urged drivers to adhere to safety rules to avoid further loss of life.
Road traffic accidents remain a significant challenge in Zimbabwe, with statistics showing that they contribute to a high number of deaths annually. According to the ZRP, many accidents result from overspeeding, reckless overtaking, poor vehicle maintenance, and unsafe road conditions.
The Madziwa Mine accident is a sobering reminder of the dangers on Zimbabwe’s roads. It underscores the urgent need for combined action from drivers, law enforcement, road authorities, and the public to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to release a full report detailing the cause of the accident. Meanwhile, safety advocates are calling for urgent measures, including improved signage, speed cameras, and public education campaigns to enhance road safety awareness.
The Harare–Shamva Road, a vital link between Harare and several mining towns, remains a critical route for commuters and goods transport. Ensuring its safety is paramount to protecting lives and preventing tragedies like the one at Madziwa Mine.
Source- ZimEye
