Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
An unlicensed driver who allegedly drove recklessly, struck a pedestrian standing three metres from the road and fled the scene has appeared in court charged with culpable homicide.
Toziwepi Madamombe (42), of 3436 Vengere suburb, Rusape, appeared before Rusape magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe.
He also faces two additional charges of failing to stop after a serious or fatal accident, contrary to Section 70(2)(a) or (b)(1) of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11] and driving without a licence, contrary to Section 6(1) of the same Act.
The 24 – year-old victim, Panashe Zuze Madziva, from Mhukayesango village under Chief Makoni, died in the hit-and-run crash along the Harare–Mutare Road on April 18, 2026, at about 2 pm.
The accident occurred near the 171km peg when an unidentified motorist hit the pedestrian and drove off without stopping.
The victim sustained a fractured neck and deep cuts to his forehead and lips. Madamombe was unrepresented and was not asked to plead.
Mr Mahwe remanded him in custody after the State opposed bail. He will return to court on 28 April 2026 for trial.
Prosecutor Ms Faith Mutukwa told the court that Madamombe was overtaking a haulage truck when he lost control and struck the pedestrian, who was standing at a bus stop, before driving away without stopping or reporting the matter.
The impact threw the victim to the left side of the road, causing critical injuries. Well-wishers rushed him to Rusape General Hospital, where he was admitted in a serious condition. He was later referred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare but died en route.
“The accused was driving a Toyota Dyna (AFR 7785) towards Harare. At the 171km peg he was overtaking a haulage truck, lost control and hit a pedestrian standing three metres from the road at a bus stop,” said Ms Mutukwa.
“The pedestrian fell to the left side of the road, and the driver did not stop at the scene. He was later arrested during a raid at his homestead.
“The victim was taken to Rusape General Hospital by a well-wisher and was pronounced dead on arrival. He sustained head injuries.
“The vehicle had a broken right rear-view mirror. Madamombe was uninjured and does not hold a Zimbabwean driver’s licence.”
