Zimpapers Logo

File Pic

Herald Reporters
A total of 87 road accidents were recorded on this year’s Christmas Day compared to 57 last year. The number of people killed on the same day has also risen from eight to 10.

Police say foreign registered vehicles top the list of either being involved or at fault in the accidents that have so far occurred during the festive season with the number of people killed increasing by more than 50 percent compared to the same period last year.

In a statement, police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said police were concerned that most accidents recorded in the country, especially in Masvingo and Matabeleland provinces, involved foreign registered vehicles.

“Most of the accidents which occurred on Christmas Day involved foreign-registered vehicles especially in Masvingo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South as people moved from one country to another for the holiday,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

He said the accidents could have been caused by fatigue and urged motorists to get enough rest when travelling long distances.

There was also a marked increase in the number of people injured on Christmas Day with a total of 69 people injured this year compared to 18 in the same period last year.

While police could not furnish figures of unroadworthy vehicles impounded last year, a total of 149 vehicles were impounded this year with 7 045 tickets being issued for various offences.

The total number of accidents that occurred between December 15 to December 25 this year was 916 compared to 730 last year.

The number of people killed the same period rose from 64 last year to 74 this year.

Almost 200 more people were injured this year.

A total of 508 people sustained various injuries compared to 311 injured last year.

At the same time, a total of 2 044 vehicles have so far been impounded and a record 83 245 tickets issued to motorists for various offences.

Chief Supt Nyathi said it was disturbing to note that most accidents were being caused by speeding, overtaking error, inattention or misjudgment on the part of drivers and failure to give way on approaching road intersections and other controlled points.

Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri last week challenged officers countrywide to curb road carnage and crime during this festive season.

Speaking at a passout parade for 566 police officers, the police chief said the force would be out in full force during the festive season to arrest those found on the wrong side of the law and to maintain peace.

“I would like to urge the motoring public, especially passenger transport operators, to abide by the road rules and traffic regulations in order to reduce road carnage, which has regrettably led to loss of innocent lives.

“I would also like to warn all those desirous of committing crime that the police will be out in full force, ready to bring perpetrators to book,” Comm-Gen Chihuri said.

Meanwhile, police are appealing for information leading to the arrest of criminals that are moving around in a Toyota Hiace commuter omnibus and a Toyota Raum in Harare. The criminals are said to be targeting unsuspecting commuters who are robbed of their valuables and cash once they get into the vehicles.

“Travellers are urged to take down registration numbers of purported public service vehicles or taxis before boarding such vehicles. They must take note of the occupants, their physical description and other clues which may assist during police investigations,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.