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Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
THE driver of a Nissan Primera that ran over and killed five young girls on Saturday afternoon was denied bail when he appeared at the Bindura Magistrates Court yesterday.
Washington Timburwa (51)was facing five counts of culpable homicide.
Bindura magistrate Maria Msika ruled that the nature of the offence and the circumstances could induce shock and outrage in the community if Timburwa was released on bail.
The investigating officer had raised the risk of public disorder and there was the danger of interference with a crucial witness.
A key witness, a passenger in Timburwa’s vehicle, Nyasha Ngwerume, was discharged from Bindura Hospital before her statement was recorded but was now nowhere to be found.
Prosecutor, Ms Sheila Maribha opposed bail, stating that releasing him on bail undermines or jeopardises the proper functioning of the criminal justice system.
The investigating officer has made it clear that his release would lead to public disorder.
“He is highly likely to interfere with witnesses. A key witness, a passenger in his vehicle, was discharged before her statement was recorded. Considering the nature of their relationship, accused interference with the witness is highly likely.”
Ms Maribha told the court that the accident happened on Saturday last week, at around 4 pm near the 90km peg along the Harare-Mukumbura Road.
Timburwa was driving a Nissan Primera due South with one passenger, Ngwerume. At the 90km peg, he failed to control the vehicle, and it veered off the road, hitting six children who were walking on the roadside.
Rachel Sinodia Saidi (13), Chipo Chikanda (13), and Ashleigh Mabheka (13), died on the spot, while Makanaka Nemhara (9) and Misiyose Benjamin (14) died upon arrival at Bindura hospital.
One survivor, Ashel Mabheka (11), is battling for her life in the hospital, while Ngwerume sustained bruises on her face.
Online Reporter