BULAWAYO – A 28-year-old commuter omnibus driver has been sentenced to an effective 36 months in prison after the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court convicted him of two counts of culpable homicide and negligent driving following a fatal road traffic accident that claimed two lives.
The convicted driver, Simbarashe Chokumanyara, caused the tragedy on 28 January 2026 at around 7:30 pm along 6th Avenue between Herbert Chitepo and Lobengula Streets in Bulawayo when he allegedly lost control of a speeding Toyota Hiace and ploughed into pedestrians.
The collision claimed the lives of Christopher Mukuwapasi (42), who later died at Mpilo Hospital, and Lizwe Meluleki Ncube (45), who died at the scene. Twelve other people sustained injuries ranging from fractures and pelvic dislocations to cuts and bruises.
During the trial, the court found that the driver had been negligent by:
- Driving at excessive speed.
- Failing to sound his horn.
- Failing to react when the collision became imminent.
- Operating a public service vehicle without complying with the required PSV regulations, despite holding licences for Classes 2, 4 and 5.
The court sentenced him to an effective three-year prison term, cancelled his driver's licence, and prohibited him from driving for two years after completing his sentence.
Crime Focus Road Safety Awareness
Every time a driver gets behind the wheel, they are entrusted with the lives of passengers, pedestrians and other road users. A few seconds of speeding, distraction or reckless decision-making can result in irreversible tragedy.
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact during a collision. Simple safety measures such as obeying speed limits, maintaining concentration, sounding the horn when necessary and ensuring compliance with public service vehicle regulations can save lives.
Road crashes are not merely accidents—they are often preventable incidents caused by negligence or disregard for traffic laws.
Crime Focus Advocacy
Crime Focus calls upon:
- Public transport operators to prioritise passenger safety over profits.
- Drivers to obey road traffic laws and exercise patience at all times.
- Transport companies to ensure only qualified and fully compliant drivers operate public service vehicles.
- Law enforcement agencies to continue enforcing traffic laws without fear or favour to deter reckless driving.
Every road user has a responsibility to protect life. Safe driving is not just a legal obligation—it is a moral duty.
Crime Focus – Prevent • Protect • Prevail.
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