Motorist Arrested Over Fatal Hit-and-Run Accidents in Harare and Murehwa

Police in Zimbabwe have arrested a motorist suspected of fleeing from two separate fatal road traffic accidents in Harare and Murehwa. The suspect, identified as Zivai Jembere, was allegedly captured on video speeding away from one of the accident scenes following a deadly collision in Harare earlier this month. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the latest accident occurred on May 3 at approximately 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of Simon Vengai Muzenda Road and Samora Machel Avenue.

Police said Jembere was driving a Honda Fit registration number ADJ 1907 when his vehicle allegedly collided with another Honda Fit driven by Frankson Simbarashe Mudzingwa. Investigators say the impact caused Mudzingwa’s vehicle, registration number AHC 9230, to overturn several times before landing upright.

A passenger in Mudzingwa’s vehicle, identified as Andrew Tawanda Mbaya, sustained serious injuries during the crash. Police confirmed that Mbaya later died while receiving treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital eight days after the accident. Authorities allege that Jembere failed to stop after the collision and fled the scene. Following his arrest, police also linked him to another fatal road traffic accident that reportedly occurred in Murehwa in January this year, where another victim lost their life.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the arrest and urged motorists to comply with road traffic laws.

“Police arrested a motorist who was involved in road traffic accidents and failed to stop. We continue to urge motorists to stop when involved in a road traffic accident,” said Insp Chakanza.

He said police were intensifying efforts to crack down on reckless driving, particularly among mushikashika operators, who are frequently accused of violating traffic regulations.

“A number of mushikashika drivers have been failing to stop when involved in road traffic accidents, and we continue to warn such drivers to obey road rules and regulations,” he said.

Inspector Chakanza added that Harare provincial police commander Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru had previously warned that suspicious vehicle damage on impounded commuter vehicles would be thoroughly investigated.

Meanwhile, police are also investigating another fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred on May 18 along the Harare–Mutare Road. Authorities said a 21-year-old man was struck by an unidentified vehicle while attempting to cross the road near the 148-kilometre peg. The victim reportedly sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot. Police have appealed for information that may assist in locating the driver involved in the incident. Road safety experts continue to express concern over rising hit-and-run cases involving speeding and unregistered public transport operators in Zimbabwe’s urban centres and on highways.

fatal hit-and-run Zimbabwe