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A road accident on the Beitbridge-Masvingo Highway which claimed 24 lives, prompting President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to declare a national disaster ,the fatal collision between an Urban Connect bus and a commercial haulage truck on February 13, 2025, has sparked widespread concern over Zimbabwe’s road safety record.
President Mnangagwa expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, describing the incident as “horrific and heart-breaking” and he urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and called on the government to take decisive action to prevent further accidents.
The government has pledged to provide state-assisted burials for the victims, acknowledging the magnitude of the tragedy and its national impact . However, beyond the condolences and emergency responses, the accident raises critical questions about Zimbabwe’s road safety framework.
Concerns over reckless driving, vehicle roadworthiness, and enforcement of traffic laws have resurfaced, highlighting the need for sustained interventions which includes Implementing stricter penalties for traffic violations to deter reckless driving and enhanced Highway Patrols:
There is a growing demand for long-term strategic measures to ensure Zimbabwe’s roads become safer. Strengthening driver training programs, introducing real-time traffic monitoring systems, and improving emergency response mechanisms could play a crucial role in reducing road fatalities .
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