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Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter

POLICE have said they were saddened by the increase in deaths on the country’s roads during the Independence Day holiday as compared to last year, stating that the accidents were caused by misjudgment, speeding and failure to observe the rules of the road by drivers.

In a statement, National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said this year’s Independence Day holiday had 100 accidents around the country compared to 133 recorded last year.

However, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said there were six fatal road accidents compared to four last year.

He said there were nine people killed this year compared to four during last year’s Independence Day holiday.

Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said they were saddened at the loss of life.

“It is sad that the country recorded an increase in the number of people who died and the number of people who were injured during the Independence Day holiday. Motorists and stakeholders are urged to have a total change of mindset when it comes to road safety during holidays. Above all, motorists should be responsible on the roads and lead by example when it comes to road safety,” said Assistant Nyathi.

He said an analysis of the accidents revealed that the causes of most of the accidents were human error, which include speeding, inattention, misjudgement, overtaking error and failure to observe road rules and regulations by drivers.

Assitant Commissioner Nyathi said the Police did not record major fatal accidents during this year’s Independence Day holiday.

“A fatal road traffic accident occured at the 166 kilometre peg along Harare-Bulawayo road on 18th April 2024 at around 1100 hours in which three people were killed whilst one was injured. A Ford Ranger twin can with thee passengers on board veered off the road before overturing and landing on its wheels,” said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.

Another fatal road traffic accident recorded on Independence Day occurred at around 1640 hours and at the 29 kilometre peg along Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road. A motorist was killed whilst three passengers were injured when a Toyota Granvia vehicle veered off the road to the left, hit the buker before overturning and landing on its wheels.