by Talent Gondo| The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has revealed that the Easter death toll has risen to 42 up from the 32 recorded on April 1 2018, almost a 100 percent increase from the 2017 figure.

Last year, 22 deaths were recorded and 105 people injured against this year’ s 42 deaths in the 338 recorded accidents.

Police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi attributed most of the accidents to poor judgement by drivers when negotiating curves and overtaking.

“We urge our drivers to exercise caution on the roads because most of these fatalities are a result of failure by drivers to negotiate curves resulting in head on collisions and vehicles side swiping each other,” he said.

Superintendent Nyathi said of the 338 recorded accidents , 25 were fatal compared to last year’s 13 fatal accidents.

“At least 246 people were injured in road carnage during the Easter holiday compared to last year’s 105” he said.

“We urge motorists to drive safely and service their cars before embarking on long journeys,” said Superintendent Nyathi.

In one of the accidents that took place along the Harare-Masvingo highway, a Honda fit overtook in front of an oncoming Toyota Wish carrying nine passengers resulting in a head on collision which left 3 people dead.

The other injured passengers were taken to Chivhu General Hospital for treatment.