Vusumuzi Dube
Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]
A 22-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo domestic worker’s unauthorised joyride in his employer’s luxury vehicle ended abruptly when his reckless driving attracted police attention, leading to his arrest and conviction.
Emmanuel Hadebe of Hillside suburb was convicted on his own plea of guilty to using a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, an offence defined under Section 57 (1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act.
He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, with four months suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period. The remaining eight months were suspended on condition that he performs 280 hours of community service at Ekusileni Primary School.
In mitigation, Hadebe told the court that he took the vehicle intending to refuel it.
Prosecuting, Mr Methuli Ncube said the incident occurred on January 14 at around 9.55AM. Hadebe, who is employed as a gardener by Khanondo Safaris and Tours (Pvt) Ltd, managing director, Mr Vimbai Chivandire, took his employer’s vehicle — a Mercedes-Benz S350 — from the garage at their Hillside home, without permission.
“He went on a joyride towards the city centre without the complainant’s knowledge or consent. The accused was arrested before he reached town after police officers noticed his reckless driving,” said Mr Ncube.
Online Reporter