ZRP Releases Names Of 17 People Who Died In One Day In Christmas Week Road Accidents

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has officially released the names of seventeen people who lost their lives in separate accidents across the country in a single, devastating day. The fatal collisions all occurred on Tuesday, 17 December 2025, on three major highways, casting a shadow over the Christmas week.

The police statement, issued on 20 December 2025, confirmed the identities of the victims after they were positively identified by their next of kin. In the statement, the ZRP extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The list includes individuals from various communities, from infants to elderly citizens, painting a sombre picture of the widespread impact.

A Harrowing List Of The Lost

The deadliest of the three crashes occurred on the Harare–Nyamapanda Road at the 185-kilometre peg. Ten people, including two young children, perished in this single incident. The victims from this crash were identified as follows:

Gachirai Tahwina (36), a male adult of Chinzanga, Mutoko – Honda Fit driver.
Anesu Nyani (25), a female adult of Glen View 3, Harare.
Kudakwashe Mudiwakure (33), a male adult of Kaitano Village, Mudzi.
Rumbidzai Musimbiro (48), a female adult of Maruza Village, Mudzi.
Tadivanashe Nyandoro (32), a female adult of Maruza Village, Mudzi.
Miriam Portia Kunaka (30), a female adult of Tsiko Village, Mudzi.
Moilia Kunaka (26), a female adult of Tsiko Village, Mudzi.
Shannel Muchato (2), a juvenile of Tsiko Village, Mudzi.
Lucas Morais Jone (28), a male adult.
Nenyasha Mapato (1 year 6 months), an infant of Tsiko Village, Mudzi.

Pleas For Road Safety Amidst Grief

In the wake of the announcements, the police have reiterated urgent appeals for caution. The ZRP statement made a direct plea to all road users during this busy period. It read:

“We appeal to drivers to consider road safety while traveling on the country’s roads. Above all, motorists should observe all road rules and regulations to safeguard human lives.”

This call for vigilance comes as the nation prepares for increased travel over the Christmas and New Year holidays. The release of the names makes the statistics painfully personal, highlighting the human cost behind the numbers often reported in road safety campaigns.

Communities Mourn As Details Emerge

The other fatal accidents claimed seven more lives. On the Harare–Mutare Road at the 32.5-kilometre peg, the three individuals who died were:

Dorothy Chizuva (45), a female adult of Mupanga Village, Glendale.
Victoria Manjokoto (16), a female juvenile of Stoneridge, Harare.
Carlos Ganyaupfu (35), a male adult of Eastview, Harare.

On the Harare–Chirundu Road at the 37-kilometre peg, the four victims were named as:

Mutsikwa Mudzimba (44), a male adult of Meadow Crescent, Hatfield, Harare.
Nicholas Esaya (20), a male adult of Damba Village, Whangura.
Kisha Chitundu (9 months), an infant of Kilimadagi Village, Mapinga.
Joel Gogo (70), a male adult of Budiriro 3, Harare.

The inclusion of very young children, Shannel Muchato, Nenyasha Mapato, and Kisha Chitundu, has particularly shaken public sentiment. While the ZRP’s statement identified the victims and locations, the exact causes of the collisions on 17 December were not detailed.