Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Writer
A Bulawayo teenager has appeared in court charged with culpable homicide after a reckless joyride in a stolen vehicle tragically claimed the life of a Zimpapers driver.
Melusi Nkomo (19), from Nketa 9, pleaded guilty to charges of culpable homicide and driving without a licence when he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Archie Wochiwunga. He was remanded in custody until Monday for a victim impact assessment.
Nkomo is already serving a six-month prison sentence with his accomplice, Shelton Dube, for the unauthorised use of the vehicle, which they took from their workplace. The joyride ended in a crash that killed Silas Bhunu.
According to the State, Nkomo was negligent, as he was speeding and failed to respond appropriately when a collision became imminent.
Prosecutor Ms Audrey Kufandikanwe told the court that the fatal accident occurred on August 3 at around 3.30am. Nkomo was driving a GD6 Toyota Hilux (registration number MH41YVGP) along Luveve Road, carrying eight passengers.
Upon reaching Marondera Clinic, an area commonly referred to as Emachipsini, Nkomo veered into the lane of oncoming traffic and collided head-on with Bhunu’s motorcycle, which was travelling in the opposite direction.
“As a result of the accident, Bhunu sustained serious head injuries and multiple fractures, and he died on the spot,” said Ms Kufandikanwe.
None of the passengers in Nkomo’s vehicle were injured. Bhunu’s body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) mortuary, while both the Toyota Hilux and the motorbike were referred to the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) for inspection.
The Hilux, which Nkomo and Dube had stolen, had originally been brought to their garage for repairs.
Peter Tanyanyiwa