Rusape- A head on collision between a commuter omnibus and a sedan on the busy Harare-Mutare Road has left three people dead and 18 others injured in a tragic accident that has once again highlighted road safety concerns.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the fatal road traffic accident, which occurred on Thursday, October 23, at the 135-kilometre peg, near Rusape.

According to a statement released by the police, a Nissan Caravan kombi, travelling towards Mutare and carrying 19 passengers, collided head-on with a Toyota Mark II vehicle. The Toyota was reported to have had no passengers on board besides the driver.

“The bodies of the victims were conveyed to Rusape General Hospital mortuary for post mortem while the injured were admitted at the same hospital,” the ZRP statement read.

The accident brings into sharp focus the perils of inter-city travel, particularly on one of Zimbabwe’s major arterial routes. The Harare-Mutare Road is a critical economic corridor but has been the site of numerous fatal accidents over the years, often attributed to human error, speeding, and overtaking in dangerous conditions.

While the exact cause of yesterday’s collision is still under investigation, the high number of casualties in a single kombi will likely raise questions about vehicle roadworthiness and passenger safety standards.

Hospital authorities at Rusape General Hospital were not immediately available for comment on the condition of the 18 injured survivors. The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.

The ZRP has appealed to members of the public with any information regarding the accident to come forward and assist with their ongoing investigation.

They further reiterated their call for motorists to exercise extreme caution, adhere to speed limits, and avoid dangerous manoeuvres to prevent such tragedies.

We publish below the full text from the ZRP

“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 23/10/25 where three people were killed while 18 others were injured at the 135 kilometre peg along Harare-Mutare Road on 23/10/25.

A Nissan Caravan kombi travelling towards Mutare with 19 passengers on board collided head-on with a Toyota Mark II vehicle with no passengers on board. The bodies of the victims were conveyed to Rusape General Hospital Mortuary for post mortem while the injured were admitted at the same hospital.”