Motorist hit with fine and driving ban after running over pedestrian

Dalyn Chigwizura

A 42-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo motorist has been slapped with a US$200 fine and a 12-month driving ban after hitting a pedestrian who was crossing the road in Magwegwe.

Meluleki Sibanda, of Magwegwe West, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube facing a charge of negligent driving.

Sibanda pleaded guilty to the charge and was ordered to pay the fine immediately. Should he fail to pay, he will serve a six-month prison sentence.

In addition to the fine, the magistrate barred Sibanda from driving all classes of motor vehicles for a year and ordered him to surrender his driver’s licence within seven days.

Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that on January 17, 2026, at approximately 8:30 PM, the accused was driving a Toyota Hiace along Hyde Park Road, heading east.

The court heard that as he approached a house in Old Magwegwe, Sibanda struck a pedestrian, Thomas Chigudu, who was crossing the road. The impact sent Chigudu crashing to the ground.

As a result of the accident, the pedestrian sustained a serious cut to his head.

He was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he was admitted for nearly a month before being discharged, said Kuzu.

The prosecutor added that the force of the collision left Sibanda’s vehicle with a shattered windscreen and a damaged front fender.