A tragic road accident claimed three lives along the Harare–Nyamapanda highway on Monday evening when a commuter omnibus (kombi) overturned, police confirmed. The Toyota Hiace, carrying 14 passengers, lost control after one of its rear tyres burst, causing the vehicle to flip onto its roof. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) stated:
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 113 kilometre peg along Harare-Nyamapanda Road on 23/02/26 at around 1700 hours. Three people were killed while four others were injured when a Toyota Hiace kombi with 14 passengers on board overturned before landing on its roof after one of the vehicle’s rear tyres burst. The bodies of the victims were taken to Mutoko Hospital mortuary for post-mortem, while the injured were admitted at the same hospital.”
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The injured passengers are receiving treatment at Mutoko Hospital, with authorities monitoring their condition. Police have urged drivers to regularly inspect their vehicles, particularly tyres, and exercise caution on high-speed and busy highways.
Some commentators attributed the tragedy to Zimbabwe’s deteriorating roads, describing them as “death traps.” On 10 February 2021, the Government of Zimbabwe declared all national roads a state of national disaster. This led to the launch of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), a nationwide initiative aimed at restoring and maintaining the country’s road infrastructure.
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