At least 37 pedestrians lost their lives on Zimbabwe’s roads during the Christmas period, with police attributing the alarming death toll to jaywalking and the widespread use of earphones, which left many victims unaware of approaching traffic.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) festive season road safety report, covering 15 to 26 December 2025, pedestrians accounted for more than a third of the 100 people killed in road traffic accidents during the 12-day period.
The statistics paint a grim picture of worsening road safety, with total accidents surging from 1,211 in 2024 to 2,412 in 2025, highlighting a sharp deterioration in compliance with traffic rules by both motorists and pedestrians.
ZRP Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the number of pedestrian deaths was deeply concerning, noting that many victims were distracted at the time of impact.
“The number of pedestrians killed during the period is disturbing. It is also sad to note that some pedestrians were struck by vehicles while walking on the road with cellphones plugged into earphones and listening to music,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Deadly Habits on Busy Roads
Police warned that listening to music while walking near traffic significantly reduces awareness, especially during the festive season when roads are busier and motorists are more likely to speed.
Authorities said jaywalking and crossing roads outside designated points exposed pedestrians to extreme danger, particularly at night and on highways.
“Pedestrians are reminded to avoid jaywalking and to use designated crossing points such as pedestrian crossings and traffic-controlled intersections,” the ZRP said in its statement.
The police stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, urging pedestrians to remain alert and avoid risky behaviour that could cost them their lives.
Wider Festive Season Carnage
Beyond pedestrian behaviour, the ZRP cited speeding, dangerous overtaking, and vehicle defects, including tyre failures, as leading contributors to the spike in fatal accidents.
The deadliest crash during the period occurred on 17 December along the Harare–Nyamapanda Road, where 10 people were killed in a head-on collision, underscoring the dangers posed by reckless driving on major highways.
Commissioner Nyathi noted that poor driving practices not only endanger motorists but place vulnerable road users — particularly pedestrians — at heightened risk.
Police Issue Urgent Safety Appeal
As the New Year holiday approaches, police have issued a renewed appeal for greater vigilance and discipline on the roads, especially among pedestrians.
The ZRP warned that earphone use while walking near traffic and ignoring safe crossing points are potentially fatal decisions, emphasising that many of the deaths recorded were entirely preventable.
Authorities urged all road users to exercise caution to prevent further loss of life during the remainder of the festive season and beyond.
