Police Probe 16 Deaths After Chinhoyi Crash And Ruti Dam Disaster
Two devastating road tragedies in Zimbabwe have left 16 people dead within two days after seven people were killed near Chinhoyi and nine more lost their lives at Ruti Dam in Buhera. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says investigations are underway into both incidents, which occurred on 16 and 17 July 2026.
7 Killed In Chinhoyi Crash As Police Launch Investigation
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the first tragedy occurred on 16 July 2026 at the 109-kilometre peg along the Harare-Chirundu Road near Chinhoyi Heroes Acre.
Police said the collision involved a Nissan AD Van and a Nissan NV350 commuter omnibus, leaving seven people dead and 10 others injured.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the police spokesperson, said in a statement:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are currently underway in connection with the death of seven people in a fatal road traffic accident at the 109 kilometre peg along Harare-Chirundu Road near Chinhoyi Heroes Acre on 16th July 2026.”
He added that the Commissioner-General of Police had conveyed his condolences.
“The Commissioner-General of Police extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes the 10 injured passengers a speedy recovery.”
9 Die After Kombi Plunges Into Ruti Dam In Buhera
The second tragedy unfolded just hours later on 17 July 2026 at around 4:30am at Ruti Dam in Buhera.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, a Nissan Caravan kombi carrying 12 congregants travelling from Gutu to Buhera for a church function rolled into the dam after the driver allegedly secured the vehicle with a stone instead of engaging the handbrake while loading luggage.
Police said:
“The driver of a Nissan Caravan kombi negligently stopped his vehicle at Ruti Dam Wall and started loading luggage after using a stone instead of the vehicle’s handbrake to effectively bring the vehicle to a halt.”
The statement continued:
“Sadly the vehicle moved and plunged into Ruti Dam.”
Nine people died in the incident.
ZRP Warns Motorists As Investigations Continue
The ZRP also reminded motorists that police officers are legally permitted to impound vehicles linked to traffic violations and related criminal offences.
Police urged motorists to cooperate with officers.
“Drivers are strongly warned against resisting arrest, fighting Police Officers and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.”
The police said more information on both incidents will be released as investigations continue.
The post 16 Dead In 2 Zimbabwe Road Tragedies As 7 Die Near Chinhoyi And 9 Perish At Ruti Dam appeared first on iHarare News.
