Johnson Progress

A 42-year-old kombi driver, Wellington Ngona, has been sentenced to three years in prison for culpable homicide following a tragic crash that claimed eight lives in Kuwadzana, Harare, last year.

 

The Mbare Magistrates’ Court handed down the sentence after hearing that Ngona was driving a Toyota Hiace carrying 13 passengers when he attempted to turn right onto Bulawayo Road from the Harare-Bulawayo intersection on October 31, 2024, at around 5:30 AM.

 

According to investigations, Ngona was negligent, failing to keep a proper lookout and not taking reasonable action to avoid the collision.

 

His vehicle was struck by a haulage tanker travelling straight through the intersection, causing the kombi to overturn.

 

Five passengers died immediately upon arrival at Sally Mugabe Hospital, while three others succumbed to their injuries later at Parirenyatwa Hospital.

 

“The tragedy claimed eight lives and left scores injured,” said court officials.

 

Ngona’s negligence was evident, and his actions had devastating consequences.

 

In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a lifetime driving ban on Ngona for kombis and heavy vehicles.

 

He was also suspended from driving any other motor vehicle for six months.

 

“This was a blatant violation of our road traffic rules and regulations,” said Felix Mhona, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, commenting on the incident.

 

The ministry has urged public transport drivers to prioritize safety over speed and profit.

 

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has also emphasized the importance of road safety, stating that they will continue to prosecute drivers who flout traffic rules and put lives at risk.

 

Ngona’s sentence serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic rules.