Tragic Festivities: 10 Lives Claimed in Zimbabwe’s Holiday Road Mishaps

The festive season has turned somber as ten individuals perished in three separate road accidents in Zimbabwe this week.

A head-on collision near Makhado business center resulted in two fatalities when a Toyota Fortuner met a cross-border bus.

The bus driver swerved to avoid a stray donkey, leading directly into the path of the oncoming vehicle.

Two occupants of the Fortuner died instantly, while the bus driver survived with injuries.

Dr. Lenos Samhere from Beitbridge confirmed the hospital received the deceased and treated the injured bus driver.

Five more lives were lost Tuesday when a Toyota Hiace vehicle flipped multiple times near Norton on the Harare-Bulawayo Highway.

Loss of control was cited as the cause by Assistant Inspector Effort Chapoto, who warned drivers against speeding.

Four died at the scene, with the fifth succumbing after reaching Norton General Hospital.

Earlier on Monday, a side-swipe accident at the 156km peg on the Harare-Nyamapanda road took three lives.

A dog crossing the road while chasing a cow precipitated the crash between a Toyota Hilux and a Honda Fit.

The Hilux flipped over, but no injuries were reported from this vehicle, while the Fit’s driver and passenger died later in hospital.

The drivers’ attempts to avoid the cow led to the tragic collision, highlighting the need for vigilance on the roads.

Commissioner Paul Nyathi of the national police confirmed these details, emphasizing the suddenness of these events.

As the holiday season progresses, these accidents underscore the importance of cautious driving amid increased traffic.

Police efforts to combat reckless driving have intensified, aiming to prevent further tragedies during this festive time.

Each incident serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the need for responsible road behavior.

The community mourns, as families identify their loved ones, hoping for safer roads in the coming days.

The narrative of holiday joy is marred by these losses, urging everyone to drive with extra care and attention.