ZRP Urges Zimbabweans to Avoid Night Travel After Spike in Fatal Road Accidents

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged motorists to avoid travelling at night following a surge in fatal road traffic accidents across the country, warning that poor visibility and stray livestock are contributing significantly to highway deaths.

In a statement issued on 24 July 2026, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the force was increasingly concerned by the growing number of fatal crashes occurring after dark and called on Zimbabweans to plan journeys during daylight hours.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the increase of fatal road traffic accidents occurring during the night throughout the country, especially on the highways," Nyathi said.

Commissioner Nyathi said reduced visibility at night makes it difficult for motorists to react to hazards, particularly animals wandering onto major roads.

"In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police cautions Zimbabweans on night driving due to observation and visibility challenges. This is even made worse by animals such as cattle, donkeys, and others, which are criss-crossing the roads and posing serious danger to motorists," he said.

The police urged families, public transport operators, schools, football teams, churches and other institutions to organise trips during the day to minimise the risk of serious accidents.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police totally discourages Zimbabweans from travelling or driving at night. Instead, families, football teams, individual drivers, and institutions should plan journeys to curtail road carnage," Nyathi added.

The ZRP also expressed concern over livestock owners whose animals stray onto highways or are driven along busy roads, saying the practice continues to contribute to preventable crashes.

"Some farmers are also contributing to the accidents by driving cattle through the roads or leaving cattle to graze on road verges leading to road traffic accidents," Nyathi said.

He announced that police would intensify engagement with traditional leaders, farmers and local communities to improve livestock management and reduce the risk posed by animals on highways.

The warning follows Thursday night's fatal crash involving officials from Highlanders Football Club along the Harare–Bulawayo Road near Mbembesi. Police confirmed that Sifiso Siziba (55), Kenneth Mhlope (70), Mbalenhle Sibanda (27) and Nkani Khoza (66) died in the accident, which occurred at approximately 7:30 pm at the 380-kilometre peg while the delegation was returning from Kariba. The tragedy has renewed calls for motorists to avoid unnecessary night travel, particularly on highways where collisions involving livestock and poor visibility remain common.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police also reminded members of the public to refrain from interfering with road accident scenes, warning that removing evidence, obstructing investigations or disrupting emergency responders may amount to criminal offences. Authorities said cooperation from motorists, passengers, livestock owners and local communities remains essential in reducing road fatalities as police continue nationwide road safety awareness campaigns.

ZRP night driving warning