Five Killed in Serenje on 1 November; Rufunsa Toll Reported at Eight on 21 October

Five people were killed in Serenje on Sunday, 1 November. Separately, an update published on 21 October put the death toll from the earlier Rufunsa bus crash at eight.

Serenje: five killed on 1 November

According to Zambia Monitor, quoting Central Province Police Commissioner Lemekani Chirwa, a minibus collided with two trucks at Mpelembe on the Chitambo–Mansa Road around 12:30.

Four passengers died at the scene; the driver later died at Mpelembe Rural Health Post. Police reported a possible lane departure and said inquiries were continuing.

Rufunsa: earlier crash toll reached eight by 21 October

The Manenekela Hills bus crash on the Great East Road happened on 19 October, initially leaving six passengers dead and 27 seriously injured.

Diamond TV’s 21 October update, quoting police spokesperson Chipo Kaitisha, reported that two more passengers, aged one year and six months respectively, had died at Mumpansha Mission Hospital. This brought the reported toll to eight.

The wider picture: police figures for July to September

Zambia Police figures reported by Zambia Monitor recorded:

• 12,865 crashes, up approximately 27% from 10,126 in the same quarter of 2025.
• 859 deaths, up approximately 14% from 753.
• 2,144 people seriously injured.
• 91 children under 16 killed.

Recorded traffic offences increased by approximately 1%, from 49,564 to 50,100. Admission-of-guilt receipts fell from K22.56 million to K19.18 million.

These figures alone cannot establish how effective enforcement was or why the crashes occurred.

What ZRST is asking for

We extend our condolences to the bereaved families and wish those still receiving care a full recovery.

We ask Zambia Police and RTSA to publish casualty updates and the findings of completed inquiries, subject to privacy and legal requirements.

We also call for an assessment of the affected road sections, including visibility, markings, signs, roadside hazards and speed management. Vehicle examinations should establish whether defects contributed to either crash.

Where remedial work is needed, the responsible authority should state what it will do and by when.

We believe another appeal for drivers to be careful is inadequate unless it comes with practical measures and follow-through.

Read ZRST’s wider analysis of road crash and enforcement figures.