Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
A kombi driver whose reckless driving caused a tragic accident that claimed six lives has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Elisha Mandemo (34) was convicted on six counts of culpable homicide, as well as additional charges related to operating a public service vehicle without mandatory insurance and necessary certifications.
State prosecutor Ms Charlotte Chikoore proved that on July 10, 2024, at around 1:30pm, along the Harare-Mutare Road at the 20km peg, Mandemo was negligently driving a Toyota Hiace (registration number AGJ 1704).
He was travelling at an excessive speed and lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road.
The vehicle overturned multiple times before landing on its wheels in the outer lane of the oncoming carriageway. The accident resulted in the deaths of six passengers and injuries to 12 others.
Mandemo was also found to have been operating the vehicle without fault insurance coverage, a critical requirement for public service vehicles.
Furthermore, he lacked the necessary documentation to qualify as a public service driver, including proof of continuous driving experience for five years.
A valid defensive driving certificate and medical certificate.
Presiding magistrate Ms Appolonia Marutya sentenced Mandemo to four years in prison for culpable homicide.
However, one year was suspended on the condition of good behaviour, leaving him with an effective three-year prison term.
For driving without fault insurance, Mandemo was fined US$30.
He was also fined US$15 for each of the other violations.
