Story by Parvel Makona
A 33-year-old commuter omnibus driver has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of culpable homicide following a fatal road accident that claimed the life of a passenger earlier this year.
Nyasha Muteweye was found guilty of causing the death of Benard Taurai Genti through gross negligence and unlawful conduct while driving.
The court heard that the incident occurred in February along Simon Mazorodze Road, as the driver headed towards the Waterfalls suburb in a Toyota Hiace.
Genti was reportedly hanging onto the back of the moving vehicle, a dangerous and illegal practice commonly referred to as “staffing”, allegedly with the driver’s consent.
Upon reaching Chinzou Roundabout, Muteweye is said to have taken a curve at excessive speed, losing control of the vehicle. The sudden movement caused the passenger to be thrown off onto the road, resulting in severe injuries.
The victim was rushed to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, where he received emergency treatment but died five days later.
Muteweye was subsequently convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. In addition, his driver’s licence was cancelled.
