Four Dead, Two Injured in Harare–Shamva Road Crash

Four people were killed and two injured when a Toyota Hilux overturned on the Harare–Shamva Road near Madziwa Mine (image source)

Four people were killed and two others injured when a Toyota Hilux overturned near the 71-kilometre peg along the Harare–Shamva Road, close to Madziwa Mine, on 1 October, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed.

Police said the vehicle, which was carrying five passengers toward Shamva, veered off the highway, overturned several times, and came to rest on its wheels. Four occupants died instantly while two survivors were rushed to Shamva Hospital for treatment. ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi reiterated calls for motorists to observe speed limits and vehicle-load regulations, noting that road conditions and delayed emergency responses remain key factors behind high fatality rates on Zimbabwe’s highways.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as nearby miners and mine security personnel assisted first responders before ambulances arrived. “We heard a loud bang and saw the truck overturned. People rushed to help and tried to pull victims from the vehicle,” said one witness.

The Harare–Shamva Road has seen several fatal crashes in recent years, often involving single-vehicle loss of control or evasive manoeuvres to avoid animals or road debris. Road-safety advocates have urged upgrades to guardrails, signage, and lighting, especially on rural stretches where livestock crossings and sharp bends increase risk.

Zimbabwe continues to record thousands of road accidents annually, with spikes during holiday periods. Police and transport NGOs cite over-speeding, fatigue, vehicle neglect, and stray animals as the leading causes. Authorities said investigations into the latest crash are ongoing and urged drivers to conduct vehicle checks and avoid night travel on rural roads where emergency services may be delayed.