Twenty-seven people were killed and seven others injured in a fatal road traffic accident that occurred on Thursday night along the Harare-Masvingo Road in Chivhu, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed.
According to a statement released by police on Friday, the crash happened at the 132 kilometre peg near Makumimavi Primary School at around 2030 hours on 28 August 2026. It involved a Nissan Caravan NV350 kombi and a Volvo haulage truck.
Police said the kombi was carrying congregants from an African Apostolic Church in Mwazha who were travelling from Dema to Mvuma for a church conference. The exact number of passengers in both vehicles had not been established at the time of the statement.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the foreign-registered haulage truck was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it collided head-on with the oncoming kombi. The impact killed 27 people on the spot while seven others sustained various degrees of injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the names of the deceased will be released once the bodies have been formally identified by their next of kin. Police have since urged families with relatives who were travelling on that route to visit the nearest health facilities and police stations for assistance with identification.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police expressed condolences to the bereaved families and described the accident as a tragic loss of life. The force also reminded motorists to exercise caution, avoid overtaking in undesignated areas, and observe road safety regulations, particularly during night travel.
Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations at Police General Headquarters, said more details will be released in due course as investigations continue.
The Harare-Masvingo Road is one of the country’s busiest highways and has recorded several fatal accidents in recent years, often linked to speeding, fatigue and reckless overtaking. Police said they will intensify patrols and public awareness campaigns ahead of the festive season to curb road carnage.
