A 28-year-old Bulawayo kombi driver has been sentenced to an effective three years in prison after he was convicted of culpable homicide and negligent driving following a crash that killed two pedestrians and injured 12 others.
Simbarashe Chokumanyara appeared before the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court on two counts of culpable homicide and one count of negligent driving.
The court heard that on January 28, 2026, at around 7:30 pm, Chokumanyara was driving a Toyota Hiace along 6th Avenue, between Herbert Chitepo and Lobengula streets, when he lost control of the vehicle and veered into pedestrians.
Christopher Mukuwapasi (42) died from injuries sustained in the crash at Mpilo Hospital, while Lizwe Meluleki Ncube (45) died at the scene. Twelve other people suffered injuries, including fractures, pelvic dislocations, cuts and bruises.
Related Stories
In convicting Chokumanyara, the magistrate found that he had been travelling at an excessive speed, failed to sound the horn and did not take evasive action to avoid the collision.
The court also heard that although he held Class 2, 4 and 5 driver's licences, he was not compliant with the requirements to operate a public service vehicle.
On the first count of culpable homicide, Chokumanyara was sentenced to 24 months' imprisonment, with nine months suspended. On the second count, he received 12 months, with six months suspended.
The sentences were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in an effective 36-month prison term.
The court also cancelled his driver's licence and prohibited him from driving for two years.
Leave Comments