A 28-year-old Mutoko motorist has been sentenced to an effective 42 months in prison after causing a fatal road traffic accident in Harare by driving through a red traffic light before fleeing the scene.
In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Zivai Jembere was convicted by the Harare Magistrates’ Court on charges of culpable homicide, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident within the prescribed time following the fatal crash that claimed the life of 35-year-old Andrew Mbaya.
“The accident occurred on May 3, 2026, at approximately 1:30am at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street in Harare.
Jembere was driving a Honda Fit eastbound along Samora Machel Avenue when he proceeded through a red traffic light and collided with another Honda Fit being driven northbound by Frankson Simbarashe Mudzingwa,” NPAZ said.
The collision left both Mudzingwa and his passenger, Andrew Mbaya, seriously injured. However, instead of stopping to render assistance, Jembere reversed his vehicle and fled the scene despite being pursued by a witness.
“Mbaya sustained severe neck and spinal injuries and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where he fought for his life for 12 days before succumbing to his injuries,” the statement read.
The NPAZ said investigations subsequently led police to Jembere’s vehicle, which was traced to Mutoko, where it was recovered and impounded.
“The court found that Jembere was negligent in that he failed to keep a proper lookout, drove at an excessive speed, failed to take reasonable action to avoid the collision and disobeyed a lawfully erected traffic signal.
The court imposed a three-month prison sentence for failing to stop after the accident and a further three months for failing to report the accident within 24 hours and 36 months for culpable homicide, bringing the total effective custodial sentence to 42 months,”NPAZ added
The NPAZ said the sentence should serve as a reminder to motorists that complying with traffic laws is not optional but a legal obligation.
“The NPAZ reminds all motorists that obeying traffic signals, stopping after an accident, rendering assistance to injured persons and promptly reporting road traffic accidents are legal obligations.
Reckless driving and fleeing accident scenes not only endanger lives but also attract severe criminal penalties,” the authority said.
The case underscores the potentially devastating consequences of reckless driving and highlights the legal ramifications of abandoning victims after a road traffic accident.
