Story by Peter Chivhima
A 56-year-old truck driver has been sentenced to an effective five years’ imprisonment after being convicted of culpable homicide over a fatal road traffic accident along Seke Road in Harare last year, in which 17 people lost their lives.
Desire Madiviko was found guilty following a full trial at the Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court, which heard that he had been driving at excessive speed when he lost control of the truck. The vehicle overturned and landed on a commuter omnibus, killing all 17 passengers on board.
In passing sentence, the court ruled that Madiviko’s conduct amounted to gross negligence, a position advanced by the National Prosecuting Authority during proceedings.
Madiviko was initially sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, with two years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving an effective custodial sentence of five years.
The court also imposed additional penalties, banning Madiviko for life from driving Class Two motor vehicles. He was further prohibited from driving all other classes of vehicles for two years, while all his existing driving licences were cancelled.
