The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged Zimbabweans to avoid travelling at night after recording an increase in fatal road traffic accidents on the country’s highways.
Police say poor visibility and stray livestock are among the major dangers facing motorists after dark and are encouraging families, transport operators, football teams, institutions and individual drivers to travel during daylight hours instead.
ZRP Warns Night Driving Is Increasing Road Deaths
In a statement issued on Friday, 24 July 2026, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police were increasingly concerned by the number of deadly crashes taking place at night.
Introducing the warning, Commissioner Nyathi said:
“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.”
He explained that reduced visibility made highways significantly more dangerous.
“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.”
Commissioner Nyathi added that police were discouraging night travel altogether.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police totally discourages Zimbabweans from traveling or driving at night. Instead, families, football teams, individual drivers, and institutions should plan journeys to curtail road carnage.”
Police Raise Concern Over Stray Livestock On Highways
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), livestock wandering onto roads continues to contribute to serious crashes.
Commissioner Nyathi said:
“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.”
He added that police would engage traditional leaders, farmers and other stakeholders to improve livestock control.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will intensify engagements with traditional leaders, farmers, and other stakeholders to ensure that animals do not travel or are driven onto the roads recklessly.”
Highlanders Tragedy Reinforces Police Warning
The statement also confirmed the identities of four Highlanders Football Club officials who died in a crash at the 380km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo Road near Mbembesi at around 7:30pm on Thursday, 23 July 2026.
Police identified the victims as Sifiso Siziba (55), Kenneth Mhlope (70), Mbalenhle Sibanda (27) and Nkani Khoza (66).
Separately, the Zimbabwe Republic Police warned members of the public not to interfere with accident scenes, saying actions that obstruct investigations or the administration of justice could result in criminal liability.
The latest warning forms part of the police’s wider efforts to reduce road fatalities by encouraging safer travel planning and improved livestock management across Zimbabwe.
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