Unlicenced Driver Jailed for Fatal Accident in Budiriro

A Budiriro woman (38) was sentenced to 9 months in prison after being convicted of culpable homicide for causing a fatal accident while driving without a licence.

The Mbare Magistrate’s Court sentenced Martha Tongwe, 38, to 12 months imprisonment, with 3 months suspended for 5 years, leaving her with an effective 9 month prison term after being convicted of culpable homicide.

According to the statement issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of Zimbabwe, the offender was driving a Honda CR-V along Cabs Road in Budiriro 4, despite being a non-holder of a valid driver’s licence. During the incident, she lost control of the vehicle and struck a pedestrian who was by the roadside.

“The victim sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to Sally Mugabe Hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

“The offender acted negligently by driving at an excessive speed under the circumstances, failing to keep a proper lookout on the road, failing to act reasonably when the accident became imminent,” said the NPA statement,” said the NPA statement.

The court ruled that her unlawful and negligent conduct directly caused the pedestrian’s death, leading to her conviction and custodial sentence.