Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
IN a push for strict enforcement and severe penalties against dangerous driving to enhance road safety, three drivers have been jailed this week for reckless driving.
Darlington Mugota of Dzivaresekwa was sentenced to twenty four months imprisonment and had his license cancelled by Harare magistrate Apollonia Marutya.
The State, represented by Charlotte Chikoore, proved that on August 20, Mugota was driving a public service vehicle without a valid driver’s license required in terms of the Road Traffic Act.
He was driving a Toyota Sprinter along Nelson Mandela, reversing on a one-way road causing havoc on the road and blocking other road users. He was blocked by another vehicle and was arrested by police.
Kudakwashe Mutukumira of Damafalls appeared before the same court charged with reckless driving.
He was also sentenced to 24 months imprisonment and twelve were suspended on condition that he doesn’t commit a similar offence in the next five years.
Twelve months are effective.
He was also ordered not to drive for the next six months.
The State proved that on August 8 Mutukumira, drove a Toyota Hiace on a pavement and hit a pedestrian.
He went on to hit a cart which then hit a Toyota Funcargo which was parked on a parking bay.
He also hit a parked truck.
The State said he was driving on the wrong side of the road, failed to stop or act reasonably when collision seemed imminent and was traveling at an excessive speed under the circumstances.
Oscar Ngonidzashe Mushangazhike also appeared before the same court charged with reckless driving.
He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and six were suspended on condition that he doesn’t commit an offence involving reckless driving in the next five years.
Twelve months are effective.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of US$80.
The court heard that on September 9, Mushangazhike was driving a Nissan Advan along Kenneth Kaunda Street against oncoming traffic.
The State proved that he was negligent, was driving at an excessive speed and drove against oncoming traffic.
