Bulawayo is grappling with the aftermath of a horrific hit-and-run incident that left a young woman critically injured, while in Harare, a commuter omnibus driver has been sentenced to 17 months imprisonment for culpable homicide.
These two separate incidents highlight the devastating consequences of reckless driving on Zimbabwean roads.
The hit-and-run occurred on Saturday, October 7th, 2024, at approximately 5:15 PM at the intersection of Khami Road and West Hand Road, near Khami Cafe. According to Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube, a woman in her mid-twenties was struck by a white pickup truck, believed to be a Ford Ranger with registration number AAE 8118, while walking along Khami Road. The driver failed to stop after the collision.
“The motorist did not stop after the collision; however, a nearby pedestrian noted the vehicle’s registration number,” Inspector Ncube stated in a press release.
This crucial observation has provided investigators with a key lead in their search for the driver.
The victim sustained severe injuries, including head trauma and fractures to her left leg, left arm, and right thigh. Emergency services swiftly transported her to Mpilo Central Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Adding to the challenge, the woman is unidentified and unable to communicate, leaving authorities appealing to the public for assistance. She was last seen wearing a white top, khaki trousers, and a pink cap.
Inspector Ncube stressed the legal responsibility of drivers involved in accidents to stop and render assistance. He urged anyone with information about a missing relative matching the victim’s description to contact Traffic West. The police are actively investigating the incident and pursuing the driver of the Ford Ranger.
In a separate incident in Harare, a 26-year-old commuter omnibus driver, Kelvin Mhasi, from Hatcliffe, has been sentenced to 17 months in prison for culpable homicide. Harare magistrate Apollonia Marutya delivered the sentence after Mhasi was found guilty of causing the death of pedestrian Slyvester Koniki.
The accident occurred on September 12th, 2024, on Fife Avenue in Harare. Mhasi was driving a Toyota Hiace and travelling eastbound when he struck Koniki, who was crossing the road. Prosecutor Farai Makuyana presented evidence demonstrating that Mhasi was driving at excessive speed and failed to take reasonable steps to avoid the collision.
“Mhasi failed to stop in time and hit Koniki, who sustained severe injuries and died on the spot,” Inspector Ncube’s statement detailed.
The court heard that after the accident, Mhasi stopped at the scene, and Koniki was transported to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where a post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death.
Prosecutor Makuyana argued that Mhasi’s negligence, including failing to maintain a proper lookout and take evasive action, directly contributed to Koniki’s death. The court agreed, finding Mhasi guilty and imposing the 17-month prison sentence.
