Police warn motorists against night travel after fatal crash that killed Highlanders officials

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has advised Zimbabweans against travelling at night following a surge in fatal road traffic accidents, a concern heightened by the recent crash that claimed four people, including senior Highlanders Football Club officials, along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.

In a statement Friday, police urged motorists, families, football teams and institutions to schedule journeys during daylight hours, saying poor visibility and increased hazards after dark were fuelling road carnage.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police totally discourages Zimbabweans from travelling or driving at night. Instead, families, football teams, individual drivers and institutions should plan journeys to curtail road carnage,” ZRP spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.

Police said night driving is dangerous due to reduced visibility and animals such as cattle and donkeys straying onto highways. They also blamed some farmers for driving livestock along roads or allowing animals to graze on road verges, creating a serious risk for motorists.

The ZRP said it would intensify engagements with traditional leaders, farmers and other stakeholders to ensure livestock is kept away from roads.

The warning comes after a crash at the 380-kilometre peg along the Harare-Bulawayo Road near Mbembesi on July 23 claimed the lives of Highlanders Football Club chairperson Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairperson and senior police officer Sifiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda. Police formally confirmed the identities of the victims in Friday’s statement.

Meanwhile, the ZRP warned the public against interfering with road accident scenes or releasing the identities of victims before their next of kin have been officially informed, saying such actions could amount to defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

Police also said they were investigating individuals allegedly visiting the Mbembesi crash scene to gather what it described as “biased and half-backed information” intended to advance particular narratives that could compromise official investigations.

Nyathi urged members of the public to assist accident victims where possible and cooperate with officers managing accident scenes while allowing investigations to proceed unhindered.