HARARE - Road accident deaths continue to rise, with police saying 150 people have so far died since the beginning of the festive season.

National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said  Manicaland Province tops the list with 33 deaths while Mashonaland East recorded 26 deaths and Masvingo has 24 deaths so far.

“We appeal to members of the public to exercise caution whenever travelling on our roads so as to avoid more deaths,” said Nyathi.

The new figure is an increase from 143 registered by December 27.

According to the police, the figures are double last year’s figures during the same festive period.
Nyathi said 80 people died during this period last year while 899 accidents were recorded.

Police have recorded 906 accidents so far this festive season.

“This is mainly because of human error. We have people speeding and at times using defective vehicles,” said Nyathi.

“We have so far issued 10 772 tickets while 934 defective vehicles have been impounded since the commencement of the festive season,” he said. - Xolisani Ncube