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An unlicensed commuter omnibus driver who attempted to run over two police officers for stopping him at a roadblock in Chitungwiza was yesterday sentenced to an effective four years in prison. Blessing Mapfumo (20) of Unit M in Chitungwiza was on July 26 driving a commuter omnibus, a Toyota Hiace, along New Chitungwiza Road and had 18 passengers on board.
He was stopped at a traffic road block, but only reduced speed and accelerated the bus towards the two officers.
The police officers jumped off the road to avoid being hit by Mapfumo leading to two other officers Sgt Mukaro and Baramasimbe pursuing him.
Mapfumo went on to drive the vehicle at a high speed and overtaking on continuous white lines after Manyame Bridge.
He turned into a dust road, but was later intercepted by the two officers and upon seeing the officers, Mapfumo tried to evade them by reversing the bus at high speed with the passengers crying for help.
His attempt hit a snag and when he realised that he had nowhere to go. He bolted from the moving bus.
Sgt Mukaro boarded the bus and brought it to a halt and impounded it and Mapfumo was later apprehended while taking a nap at Makoni rank.
Appearing before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Kudakwashe Jarabini, Mapfumo pleaded guilty to two counts of driving without a licence and reckless driving.
Mr Jarabini sentenced him to three years in prison, but set aside one year on condition of good behaviour.
On the second count, Mapfumo was sentenced to five years with one year of his sentence suspended.
The sentences will run concurrently.
Mr Edmond Ndambakuwa appeared for the State.
Online Reporter