Ald Mpofu killer driver jailed

Senior Court Reporter
AN unlicensed truck driver who knocked down and killed Alderman Charles Mpofu, the former Bulawayo deputy mayor, will spend the next 18 months behind bars.Western Commonage magistrate Temba Chimiso yesterday convicted Trust Lupondo, 34, of Upper Rangemore, of culpable homicide and driving without a licence.

He sentenced him to six months in prison for driving without a licence and 12 months for culpable homicide.

“Considering the gravity of the offence, which led to the loss of life, the court sentenced the accused to six months in prison for driving without a licence and 12 months for culpable homicide,” said Chimiso while passing sentence.

Lupondo was driving a Ford truck carrying sand early this month when he rammed into a Nissan Sunny parked besides a road with Ald Mpofu and a friend inside.

Ald Mpofu, who was 55, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit but died the following day around 9PM.

Tony Kamudyariwa represented the State while Modicai Donga of Lazarus and Sarif Legal Practitioners defended Lupondo.