Zanzibar records rise in road deaths in June
A wreckage of a motorcycle lies on the road after an accident. Often times, victims of accidents involving motorycle taxis receive little or no attention in medical facilties. This needs to change. PHOTO | FILE
Unguja. Zanzibar recorded a sharp increase in road fatalities in June, with 17 people losing their lives in traffic-related incidents—up from 15 deaths in May, reflecting a 13.3 percent rise.
The statistics were released on Thursday, July 17, 2025, by Asha Mussa Mahfoudh, a statistician from the Office of the Chief Government Statistician.
She attributed the growing number of accidents largely to reckless behaviour by drivers, particularly those operating two-wheeled vehicles such as bodaboda (motorcycle taxis).
According to Mahfoudh, the number of road accidents jumped significantly—by 71.4 percent—from 14 cases in May to 24 in June. North A District reported the highest number of accidents in June, accounting for 16.7 percent of all recorded incidents.
“In June, North A alone reported over four accidents, while in May, North A, North B, and West A districts each recorded three,” she noted.
In terms of fatalities, North B District led in both May and June, recording four deaths in each month. However, the highest number of deaths in June 2025 was reported in Central District, also with four fatalities.
Mahfoudh added that the number of injured road users rose to 21 in June—up from 19 the previous month—marking a 10.2 percent increase. Micheweni District recorded the highest number of injuries at nine, while North A and West B each reported six.
Commenting on the situation, Inspector Omar Hamad Omar from Zanzibar’s Police Headquarters called for stronger community involvement in road safety efforts, saying road users must take greater responsibility for their own safety.
“Speeding and general negligence—especially among motorcycle riders—remain the leading causes of accidents,” Inspector Omar said.
Echoing these concerns, Dr Afua Mohamed from the Zanzibar Planning Commission stressed the need for closer collaboration between the public and law enforcement.
“Despite the government’s efforts, including the introduction of road-use guidelines, accidents continue to occur. Curbing this trend requires both public awareness and active enforcement,” she said.
