admin Nhlalwenhle Ncube
JUSTICE finally took its course on a youthful Mberengwa driver whose reckless driving resulted in the death of six pupils along the Masvingo-Mbalabala road last year in October.
The driver, Tapiwa Courage Ncube (20) was slapped with 12 months imprisonment of which six months were suspended on condition of five years of good behaviour.
He will effectively serve six months in prison.
Presiding magistrate Peter Madiba, in passing his sentence, also banned Ncube from driving motor vehicles for six months.
The court heard that Ncube, a holder of class two, four and five drivera��s licences got involved in an accident on 23 October 2015.
He was driving a Toyota Granvia registration number ADK 9390 along Masvingo-Mbalabala road with 20 pupils on board.
When he got to the 170km peg, he lost control of the vehicle and it veered off the road to the left side before overturning and landing on its wheels.
Five pupils, namely Easter Svinurai (7) Monica Shumba (9) Percie Shumba (7) Kiyana Moyika (9) and Shekinah Hove (7) died on the spot.
The sixth one, Grace Nyalani, died upon admission to Zvishavane hospital.
Fourteen pupils were seriously injured and they were admitted to Zvishavane hospital where they were treated.
Ncube was charged with negligent driving and despite pleading not guilty the court found overwhelming evidence that he committed the offence.
Online Reporter