By Crime and Courts Reporter- At least 10 lives were lost in two tragic road accidents this past weekend, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in Zimbabwe.

The first incident occurred early Sunday along the Harare-Bulawayo Road.

Seven people died when an Inter Africa bus collided with the rear of a stationary truck near the 330-kilometre mark around 3:30 AM. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident, stating:
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 08/12/24 at around 0330 hours. Seven people were killed when an Inter Africa bus rammed into the back of a stationary truck. The number of injured victims is yet to be established.”

The victims’ bodies were transported to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary, while the injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with more details expected soon.

Nyathi also issued a stern warning to communities along highways, condemning the looting of goods from accident sites:
“It is a serious criminal offence to take advantage of a road traffic accident and loot goods from haulage trucks or vehicles.”
On Friday evening another fatal crash occurred on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, where a Shackman Tipper truck overturned, killing two people and injuring 51 others.

The accident happened at around 6:40 PM near the 330-kilometre peg.

The truck, overloaded with 69 passengers, overturned and landed on its left side.

Eyewitnesses described the chaos as the vehicle lost control, with passengers screaming and many trapped beneath the wreckage.

Preliminary investigations suggest the truck was travelling at an unsafe speed.

Compounding the tragedy, the vehicle was not designed to carry passengers, raising questions about road safety enforcement.

Sixteen passengers escaped unharmed, while the injured were rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital for treatment.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.

The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, like many highways in Zimbabwe, has a troubling history of accidents caused by overloading, mechanical faults, and reckless driving.

The use of non-passenger vehicles to transport people remains a significant concern, with police urging transport operators to adhere to safety laws.

“Drivers must avoid carrying passengers in vehicles not designated for human transportation,” said a ZRP statement.

Road accidents in Zimbabwe continue to claim lives at an alarming rate.

According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, overloading, speeding, and poor road conditions are among the leading causes of fatalities.

A lack of enforcement of traffic regulations and public awareness further exacerbates the crisis.

As investigations into both accidents continue, authorities are calling for urgent measures to improve road safety and prevent similar tragedies.