Unlicensed driver hits pedestrian, sentenced to two-and-half years in prison

Michael Mashiri

A Harare man, who hit a pedestrian while driving without a drivers’ licence, has been sentenced to effective two-and-a-half years in prison.

Matipanadzo Stephen, 36, of Epworth Extension, appeared before magistrate Simon Kandiyero charged with reckless driving and driving without a driver’s licence.

He has been forbidden to drive any class four vehicle for the rest of his life and will not drive any car from any class for six months.

As a result, he was given two years for reckless driving and six months for driving without a driver’s licence.

The State, through prosecutor Takudzwa Chitenderu, alleges that on February 23, at around 0723 hours, Matipanadzo recklessly drove a public service vehicle, Toyota Hiace along Robert Mugabe due West.

He was travelling against a one-way traffic route and hit a pedestrian who was crossing Robert Mugabe Road.

The complainant sustained injuries on the forehead and left cheek and was complaining of pains on the right side.

The vehicle sustained a shattered windscreen and its front fender was slightly deformed.