HARARE – A commuter omnibus driver has been sentenced to an effective two years in prison after being found guilty of culpable homicide following a tragic road accident that claimed the life of a passenger. Blessmore Nyamasoka, 29, was convicted after a full trial by Harare magistrate Apollonia Marutya.
In addition to the prison sentence, Nyamasoka’s driver’s license for classes 2 and 4 has been cancelled, and he is banned from driving. However, after two years, he will be allowed to apply to be allowed to legally drive again.
The tragic incident occurred on January 7 when Nyamasoka was driving a Toyota Hiace along Nemakonde Way, carrying 15 passengers. Near Suffolk Road, he encroached into the oncoming traffic lane, resulting in a head-on collision with a Honda Fit driven by Respect Mawadzi, who had two passengers.
The impact of the collision resulted in serious injuries to nine passengers – seven from the kombi and two from the Honda Fit. All were rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment.
Tragically, one of the passengers, Rukodzi Kundishora, succumbed to his injuries on February 2.
The court ruled that Nyamasoka was negligent, citing excessive speed, failure to maintain a proper lookout, failure to act reasonably when a collision was imminent, and driving against oncoming traffic as contributing factors to the accident. The prosecution successfully argued that Nyamasoka’s reckless conduct directly led to the tragic loss of life.
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