Zim GBC News | Harare Correspondent
Zimbabwean roads witnessed a horrific surge in pedestrian deaths over the Christmas holiday period, with thirty-seven lives lost in just twelve days. The Zimbabwe Republic Police, in their festive season report, has directly attributed the alarming toll to jaywalking and the dangerous use of earphones while walking near traffic.
The report, covering 15 to 26 December 2025, reveals that pedestrians accounted for over a third of the 100 total road fatalities recorded—a significant jump from 77 deaths during the same period last year. Overall road accidents more than doubled, from 1,211 to 2,412.
In a stern statement, Commissioner Nyathi P, the Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, expressed profound concern.
“The number of pedestrians killed during the period is disturbing,” he said.
“It is also sad to note that some pedestrians were struck by vehicles while walking on the road with cellphones plugged on earphones and listening to music.”
Authorities issued a clear warning, linking the lethal mix of auditory distraction and illegal crossing to the spike in deaths. The police urged a immediate return to fundamental road safety practices.
“Pedestrians are reminded to avoid jaywalking and always use designated crossing points such as pedestrian crossings and traffic controlled intersections,” the statement read, emphasising shared responsibility between drivers and those on foot.
While pedestrian behaviour was highlighted, the data pointed to a broader crisis in road discipline. Excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, and tyre failures on poorly maintained vehicles were cited as major contributors to the fatal accidents. The deadliest single crash occurred on 17 December on the Harare–Nyamapanda Road, where a head-on collision claimed ten lives.
Commissioner Nyathi connected these factors, noting that poor driver behaviour and vehicle defects compound risks for everyone, including pedestrians.
As the nation approaches the New Year holiday, the police have framed the loss of the 37 pedestrians as a preventable tragedy, appealing for heightened awareness and personal responsibility from all road users to stem further loss of life.
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