Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
TWO Bulawayo teenagers who stole a vehicle from their workplace for a joyride — later causing a fatal accident that claimed the life of Zimpapers driver Silas Bhunu — were yesterday each sentenced to six months in prison.
Bhunu was riding a motorbike and delivering newspapers while on duty when he was struck and killed.
Melusi Nkomo (19) of Nketa 6 and Shelton Dube (19) of Nkulumane pleaded guilty to unauthorised borrowing or use of property when they appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Archie Wochiwunga.
Three months of their sentence were suspended for three years on condition they do not commit a similar offence, leaving each to serve an effective three months.
The prosecutor, Ms Audrey Kufandikanwe, told the court that the incident occurred on August 2.
“On that day, complainant Washington Moyo (32) was at his workplace in Kelvin North industrial area when a client brought in a white GD6 Toyota Hilux for repairs. After finishing work around 6PM, Moyo parked the vehicle inside the company yard and went home,” said Ms Kufandikanwe.
Later that night, Nkomo and Dube, who were also employed at the same company, returned after hours, took the vehicle without Moyo’s consent and drove into the city.
Their reckless outing ended in tragedy when they were involved in a fatal collision, killing Bhunu and leaving the vehicle extensively damaged. Police investigations confirmed they had taken the car without permission, leading to their arrest.
Nkomo is set to appear alone in court on August 21 to face a separate charge of culpable homicide over Bhunu’s death.
