Reckless Rimbi, Zebra Kiss drivers jailed

The conviction has been welcomed by the National Prosecuting Authority, which described the matter as a severe violation of trust and a grave crime against a vulnerable child.

Prosper Dembedza

Herald Correspondent

MUTOKO Magistrate Mr Elijah Sibanda has jailed the two reckless bus drivers whose race along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road near Mutoko in January this year ended in a fatal accident that killed one person.

Mike Makwara (49) who was driving Zebra Kiss bus, was jailed for two years, and Misheck Penyaiwere, driving the Rimbi bus, was jailed for 30 months. Both were convicted of reckless driving.

In its ruling, the court banned the pair from driving heavy and public service vehicles for life. It also suspended them from driving commuter omnibuses before cancelling their driver’s licences.

The court heard that on the January 12, Makwara was driving a Zhong Tong bus registration AGB 2142 belonging to Tashllyt Investments, commonly known as Zebra Kiss towards Mutoko. Around 3.20pm near the 165km peg Zhong Tong bus registration AGB 2901 belonging to Rimbi Travel and Tours being driven by Penyaiwere came up behind.

When the Rimbi bus tried to overtake, it was alleged that the bus which was being driven Makwara started obstructing it by occupying the middle and right lane. As a result of continuous obstruction, the Rimbi Travel and Tours failed to make an overtaking manoeuvre and got involved in an accident with a Shackman Tipper truck, registration ABS 7956, which was driving quite legally in its own lane along the highway.

The court heard that the pair’s driving conduct was unlawful and that their racing led to the accident and the death.