Three-Month Road Horror As 2 000 Pedestrians Are Killed Or Injured By Hit-And-Run Drivers
Zimbabwe is facing a growing road safety crisis after police revealed that more than 2 000 pedestrians were killed or injured in hit-and-run accidents during the first three months of 2026. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says many motorists are fleeing accident scenes without helping victims or reporting incidents to authorities.
Figures released on May 16, 2026, show that 2 081 pedestrians, including school children, were either killed or injured between January and March this year. The numbers mark an increase from the 1 905 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
According to The Sunday Mail, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi described the situation as worrying and urged motorists to obey the law after accidents.
ZRP Raises Alarm Over Rising Cases
Commissioner Nyathi said drivers involved in accidents are legally required to stop and assist victims.
“It is a requirement, in terms of the Road Traffic Act, that motorists who are involved in road traffic accidents stop, render assistance to the injured and, where a person has died, follow due process. Motorists must also report to the police,” he said.
He added that police are deeply concerned by the growing number of motorists abandoning victims at accident scenes.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the increase in cases where pedestrians are either killed or injured and motorists fail to stop or report the accidents.”
Commissioner Nyathi said many of the victims are vulnerable pedestrians, including school children and people crossing roads at zebra crossings or walking along pavements.
“It is disheartening to note that there are motorists who decide to run away from accident scenes,” Comm Nyathi added.
Police also urged pedestrians to be more alert while near roads.
“We also continue to urge pedestrians to consider crossing roads at traffic lights if they are in the CBD and when it is safe to do so.”
School Children Among Victims
The police spokesperson warned that distractions such as headphones and mobile phone conversations are contributing to accidents involving both motorists and pedestrians.
“Both pedestrians and motorists should avoid listening to music through headphones or talking while moving near roads.”
Authorities believe technology could help reduce the growing number of hit-and-run incidents. Police are expecting the planned electronic traffic management system to improve the tracking of reckless drivers.
Recently, Harare provincial police commander Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru said all impounded vehicles with dents should be fully accounted for by their owners or drivers.
He also appealed to the City of Harare to improve street lighting in dark areas to reduce risks for pedestrians at night.
Easter Holiday Death Toll Raises More Concern
Police statistics released after the Easter holidays last month also highlighted the danger facing pedestrians on Zimbabwe’s roads.
According to the ZRP, 30 people died in road traffic accidents during the Easter holiday period in 2026. Out of those fatalities, 19 were pedestrians.
The latest figures have renewed concerns over road safety, reckless driving and the increasing number of motorists fleeing accident scenes without assisting victims.
The post Zimbabwe Hit-And-Run Nightmare Leaves More Than 2 000 Pedestrians Dead Or Injured In 3 Months, Including School Children appeared first on iHarare News.
