Unlicensed drunk driver jailed over teen’s death

A 33-year-old unlicensed motorist who ran over two teenagers, killing one of them instantly, has been sentenced to three years in prison and banned from driving for two years.

Melzerdeck Mpofu, of Nketa 7 suburb in Bulawayo, was convicted by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube of culpable homicide, driving without a valid driver’s licence and driving under the influence of alcohol.

For culpable homicide, Mpofu was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with one year suspended for five years on condition he does not commit a similar offence during that period.

For driving without a valid licence, he was fined US$120 or two months in prison, and a further US$80 or two months’ imprisonment for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The court also banned him from driving for two years and ordered him to pay the fines by April 3.

In sentencing, Mr Ncube noted in mitigation that Mpofu had contributed towards funeral expenses for the deceased and assisted with medical bills for the injured victim.

Prosecuting, Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that on February 26 at around 1pm, Mpofu was driving a Nissan NP300 along Nketa Drive near Nketa Primary School.

The court heard that as he approached the turn off to the school, Mpofu lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road and struck Mark Mlilo (15) and Keamogetsoe Moyo (14), who were standing at the roadside.

Keamogetsoe sustained serious injuries, while Mark suffered severe head injuries and died at the scene.

The incident was reported to the police, leading to Mpofu’s arrest.

A breathalyser test conducted by an expert confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.