Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa-Mutare Bureau
A CHIPINGE magistrate has convicted a 28-year-old man, for negligent driving following a road traffic accident that left three pedestrians seriously injured and four truck passengers nursing minor injuries along the Birchenough Bridge–Mt Selinda Road earlier this year.
Dumisani Mtetwa who pled guilty to the charges of negligent driving was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with the option of a US$300 fine by Magistrate Nickson Mangoti.
In passing down sentence, Magistrate Mangoti said failure to pay the fine in time will see Mtetwa going to jail for three months.
In addition, he was banned from driving across all vehicle classes for six months and ordered to surrender his driver’s license within seven days.
Magistrate Nickson Mangoti stressed the seriousness of Mtetwa’s actions, pointing out that fleeing from the scene showed a lack of responsibility.
“Road users must always exercise caution and respect traffic regulations because a single act of negligence can lead to loss of life or cause permanent injury. The court takes a dim view of drivers who abandon their victims after accidents, as it demonstrates disregard for human life,” said Magistrate Mangoti.
He further noted that negligent driving caused road accidents.
“We continue to lose innocent lives to accidents that could have been avoided if negligent drivers such as you observed the basic rules of the road. It is the duty of every licensed driver to ensure that roads are safe for both motorists and pedestrians,” he said.
The magistrate said the sentence should serve as a deterrent to other drivers who take road safety for granted.
“Negligence behind the wheel cannot be tolerated. Your sentencing should send a strong message that reckless conduct on the road will not go unpunished. This court hopes that the sentence will remind all drivers that responsibility does not end with obtaining a license, but extends to ensuring that every journey is made with utmost caution and respect for life,” he said.
The State, represented by prosecutor Mr Edmore Mahlanganise, told the court that on January 6 and at around 0730 hours, Mtetwa was driving a Nissan Sunny when he emerged from a dust feeder road at the K2 bus stop (59km peg) without giving way to oncoming traffic. His vehicle collided with a Dutro truck being driven by Noah Singizi.
“The collision caused Singizi to lose control of his truck, which veered off the road and struck three pedestrians. The pedestrians sustained serious injuries while four passengers in the truck suffered minor injuries. The truck later overturned onto its side.
“The Nissan Sunny sustained frontal and door damage, while the Dutro truck had its windscreen shattered, a side mirror damaged, and its rear light broken.
“Instead of stopping to assist the injured, Mtetwa fled the scene. He drove a short distance before abandoning his vehicle and escaping on foot. He was later apprehended and brought before the court, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of negligent driving,” he said.
