Reckless driving leads to conviction for Dzivarasekwa bus driver
In a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, a 53-year-old bus driver from Dzivarasekwa has been convicted of negligent driving and fined for his role in a highway accident that occurred earlier this year.
Lancelot Jonhera was arraigned before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court on charges of contravening the Road Traffic Act, after he was found to have negligently driven a bus and collided with a Nissan Atlas truck on the Harare-Chirundu road on April 8, 2024.
The incident occurred around 8 AM, as Lancelot was transporting 48 passengers from Karoi to Chinhoyi. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the bus driver failed to maintain a safe following distance and did not react appropriately when it became clear that an accident was imminent, leading to the collision.
The Nissan Atlas truck, which was struck from behind by Lancelot’s bus, veered off the road and landed on its left side, resulting in injuries to the truck driver. Investigators determined that Lancelot’s negligent actions, including following too closely and failing to take reasonable precautions, were the primary factors that led to the accident.
The magistrate presiding over the case ordered Lancelot to pay a fine of US$300 or face 3 months in prison. Additionally, the court prohibited the bus driver from operating Class 1 vehicles for a period of 2 years, underscoring the seriousness of his offense.
This conviction serves as a stark warning to all drivers, reminding them of the crucial role they play in maintaining road safety and the consequences they can face for reckless behaviour behind the wheel. As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with the challenge of reducing traffic accidents, cases like this highlight the need for greater accountability and responsible driving practices on the nation’s highways.
