By Advent Shoko
A deadly overtaking manoeuvre has claimed four lives in a horrific road traffic accident along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest highways. Police have confirmed that the crash occurred on 27 January 2026 at the 195km peg along the Harare–Mutare Road when a Freightliner truck driver attempted to overtake another vehicle and slammed head-on into an oncoming Mazda Bongo.
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According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Mazda Bongo was carrying four passengers at the time of the collision. The impact was so severe that all four occupants, including the driver, died instantly at the scene. A fifth passenger survived but sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Rusape General Hospital for urgent treatment.
Investigators say preliminary findings point to dangerous overtaking as the primary cause of the crash, a persistent factor in many of Zimbabwe’s fatal highway accidents. The Harare–Mutare Road, a key transport corridor linking the capital to the eastern border, has long been flagged as a high-risk stretch due to speeding, heavy haulage traffic and impatient driving behaviour.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Rusape General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations, while traffic police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities continue to urge motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid risky overtaking and respect traffic laws, warning that a split-second decision can cost multiple lives.
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