Kadoma Road Traffic Accident Claims Three Lives

Three people have died in a head-on collision on the Harare–Kadoma highway (image source)

A fatal collision along the Harare–Kadoma highway has left three people dead and several others injured, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of road safety regulations. The accident occurred mid-day Tuesday near the Kadoma tollgate when a commuter minibus and a heavy truck collided head-on, creating a chaotic scene as emergency crews worked to free trapped passengers. Three victims died instantly, while the injured were rushed to Kadoma General Hospital for urgent treatment. Witnesses described the impact as violent, with smoke rising from the wreckage moments after the crash.

Preliminary investigations suggest that speeding, driver fatigue, and overloading may have contributed to the tragedy. The minibus was reportedly carrying more passengers than permitted, a problem long associated with public transport operators who prioritise profit at the expense of safety. The accident has reignited debate over accountability on Zimbabwe’s highways. Transport watchdogs say authorities must intensify monitoring of passenger limits, vehicle fitness, and driver compliance if the country is to curb preventable fatalities.

Zimbabwe continues to rank among the region’s most affected countries for road deaths, with the Traffic Safety Council reporting thousands of annual fatalities linked to reckless driving, poor road conditions, and weak enforcement. Families of the victims gathered at Kadoma mortuary on Tuesday afternoon, overwhelmed by grief as they identified their loved ones. Community leaders have called for psychological support for both survivors and bereaved families, emphasising that each road death represents a broader national loss.

The Ministry of Transport has pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and to strengthen existing safety protocols. Officials say they will work closely with police to increase patrols on major highways and introduce tougher penalties for transport operators who ignore regulations. With the festive season approaching and traffic volumes expected to surge, authorities are urging drivers to slow down, rest adequately, and adhere to passenger limits to prevent further loss of life.