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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
The festive season road accidents death toll has surpassed last year’s with 74 people killed compared to 64 last year. Foreign registered vehicles were blamed for most of the crashes.

Ten people were killed in road accidents on Christmas Day.

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday said 87 accidents occurred on Christmas Day compared to last year’s 57.

“Ten people were killed, 69 were injured this Christmas as compared to 8 who were killed and 18 who were injured in the same period last year,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

He said the number of people killed by Christmas rose to 74 compared to 64 who died in the same period last year.

He said a total of 916 accidents had been recorded by Christmas compared to 738 last year.

Chief Supt Nyathi said most of the accidents were caused by foreign registered vehicles.

“Most of the accidents which occurred on Christmas Day involved foreign registered vehicles especially in Masvingo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South as people move from one country to another for the holiday,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

He urged motorists to desist from travelling long distances without resting.

“Drivers are urged to rest when travelling long distances in order to curb fatigue,” he said.

Meanwhile, the police have warned members of the public to exercise caution when using public transport as robbers are taking advantage of desperate travellers.

“The criminals are offering unsuspecting passengers lifts and then rob them of their valuables and cash after travelling short distances,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

He said members of the public should record all details of motorists they were suspicious of.

“Travellers are urged to record registration details of purported public service vehicles or taxis before boarding such vehicles. They must take note of occupants, their physical description and other clues which may assist during police investigations,” he said.

The festive season stretches from December 15 to January 15.