Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The Government has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of the truck driver responsible for the Seke Road accident that claimed 17 lives on July 22 last year.
Desire Madiviko (56) was jailed for five years and had his driver’s licence revoked.
Madiviko, an employee of Silimus Cold Chain Company in Chitungwiza, was convicted of culpable homicide after a full trial before regional magistrate Mrs Gloria Takundwa.
Initially, Mrs Takundwa sentenced Madiviko to seven years in prison, but suspended two years on condition of good behaviour.
In addition to the prison term, he was banned from driving Class 2 vehicles and prohibited from driving any other classes of vehicles for two years.
His driver’s licence was also immediately cancelled.
Related Stories:
Seke Road crash: Killer truck driver jailed 5 years
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development said: “The court sentenced the driver in the Seke Road tragedy to five years imprisonment and a lifetime ban from operating heavy vehicles. 17 lives were lost.
“This is a stark reminder that with a professional license comes supreme responsibility. The ministry urges all drivers to uphold the highest safety standards, respect speed limits, recommit to safe and responsible driving at all times, and prioritise lives above all.”
The National Prosecuting Authority also reiterated the same sentiments.
“The NPAZ regards this outcome as a solemn reminder of the consequences of negligent driving, particularly by operators of heavy commercial and public service vehicles who bear a heightened duty of care to other road users. The authority reminds all road users, particularly motorists, of their duty to responsibility: to protect life, uphold the law, and ensure safety for all,” NPA said.
Meanwhile, the Mbare Magistrates’ Court has also convicted another driver, Hatumwi Tinashe (26) of culpable homicide after a road traffic accident, which resulted in the death of a minor.
On November 21, 2025, at approximately 1130 am, Hatumwi was driving a Toyota Hiace along an unnamed road in Crowborough Phase 3, Harare.
He struck a child pedestrian who was crossing the road.
The victim sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Sally Mugabe Hospital.
The court found the offender negligent of failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to take reasonable action when a collision became imminent.
