Online Reporter
Post Reporter
A 39-YEAR-OLD Dangamvura man has been sentenced to an effective two years in prison for driving a public service vehicle while heavily intoxicated.
Masawi Kasirai was convicted by Mutare magistrate Mr Honest Musiiwa.
Mr Chris Munyuku prosecuted.
The court heard that on June 19, 2026, at around 10am, Kasirai was driving a Toyota Hiace kombi north along the Mutare-Chimanimani Road.
Although the vehicle had no passengers on board, police officers noticed from a distance that it was obstructing other road users. The convict continued driving until he reached the police roadblock, where he was stopped and arrested.
Mr Munyuku said Kasirai was visibly intoxicated and was subjected to a breathalyser test, which showed an alcohol level of 178 milligrams per 100 millilitres – almost six times above the legal limit of 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres.
He was subsequently charged with driving a public service vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
In sentencing, Mr Musiiwa said the court cannot turn a blind eye to motorists who drive after consuming excessive alcohol, particularly those in control of public service vehicles.
“You were in control of a public service vehicle and your conduct placed the lives of other road users at risk. The fact that you had no passengers at the time of your arrest does not lessen the seriousness of your conduct,” said Mr Musiiwa, adding that driving requires care and sound judgment at all times, and that alcohol impairs both, putting innocent people at risk.
Motorists, he said, should not wait until reckless driving cause injury or death to appreciate the consequences.
