Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 29-year-old Bulawayo commuter omnibus driver appeared in court for allegedly driving without a licence and knocking down a pedestrian resulting in serious injuries.
Derek Mloyi, of Nkulumane suburb, appeared before Western Commonage Magistrate Mr Archie Wochiwunga, facing a charge of negligent driving. He was remanded out of custody to July 23 for continuation of trial.
According to the State, represented by prosecutor Ms Audrey Kufandikanwe, the incident occurred on March 27 at around 7.40pm. Mloyi was driving a Toyota Hiace kombi along Khami Road when he allegedly struck a pedestrian, Mr Dumisani Ncube, who was walking along the same road.
“Mr Ncube sustained serious injuries and had to be rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he was admitted,” said Ms Kufandikanwe.
She told the court that Mloyi was negligent in that he failed to keep a proper lookout and was speeding under the circumstances.
In his defence, Mloyi claimed he did not hit the pedestrian intentionally.
He told the court that he had swerved in an attempt to avoid oncoming traffic when he knocked down Mr Ncube, who was walking in his lane.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, a Bulawayo man appeared in court for allegedly breaking into a house in Entumbane suburb and stealing a 43-inch plasma television and a decoder.
Jordan Ncube (31), of Njube, appeared before Mr Wochiwunga facing charges of unlawful entry. He was remanded in custody to 23 July.
According to the State, again represented by Ms Kufandikanwe, the incident occurred on 18 June when Ncube, together with an accomplice identified only as Mncedisi, who is still at large, broke into the home of Ms Isabel Moyo in Entumbane suburb.
The pair allegedly forced open a padlock to gain entry into the house. Once inside, they proceeded to the lounge where they took a 43-inch Luxuco plasma TV and an OpenView decoder from the room divider before leaving unnoticed.
The following day, Ncube allegedly advertised the stolen television for sale on a WhatsApp platform.
One Wellington Mthunzi, who saw the advert, contacted Ncube and met him to view the item. He eventually purchased the television for US$130.
Police investigations later led to Ncube’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen television set. However, the decoder was not recovered. Police have since launched a manhunt for Mncedisi.
