Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
A 55-year-old commuter omnibus driver has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court after he was caught driving under the influence of alcohol while carrying 16 passengers along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road.
Admire Ndebele was convicted after pleading guilty to driving a Toyota Quantum while heavily intoxicated, in a case the court described as a serious threat to public safety.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the offence occurred on July 26 at around 2.38pm when Ndebele was intercepted at a police roadblock after officers observed the vehicle swerving along the highway.
“A visibly drunk driver was ordered to disembark from the vehicle, and a breathalyser test revealed a blood alcohol level of 270mg per 100ml, more than three times the legal limit of 80mg per 100ml,” said the NPAZ.
The authority said the court imposed the maximum sentence permitted by law after considering the gravity of the offence.
“In passing the above-mentioned sentence, the court held that the offender deserved the maximum penalty permitted by law. The court noted that he was driving a public service vehicle and had recklessly endangered the lives of 16 passengers as well as other road users.
“The NPAZ warns drivers that there is zero tolerance for drunk driving and the flouting of road regulations. Offenders will face the full wrath of the law. The criminal justice system has a duty to protect all road users from reckless drivers.”
The conviction comes just weeks after another alleged drink-driving incident involving a bus transporting schoolchildren in Beitbridge.
Police arrested a 55-year-old bus driver, Bekhithemba Makhurane, following a crash that injured several pupils from Fountain College and a teacher who were returning from the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) sports competitions at Siyoka Secondary School.
According to police, preliminary investigations indicated that the driver failed to control the bus while attempting to avoid oncoming traffic, causing it to veer off the road and overturn onto its side.
Four people — a teacher and three pupils from Fountain College — sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Beitbridge District Hospital, while other passengers suffered minor injuries and were treated and discharged.
Police said a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver, who is alleged to have been driving while intoxicated.
