Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE driver of a South African registered truck, involved in a horrific crash that killed 17 people along the Chitungwiza Highway, will stand trial on November 3.
Desire Madiviko (56), who is being charged with culpable homicide, will be represented by Raymond Madani of Atherstone and Cook.
The accident occurred on July 22 when Madiviko allegedly lost control of the vehicle.
He was driving a Nissan UD Coroner truck (horse registration KH28RW GP), towing a trailer (KCO5FB GP) for Silimus Cold Chain Company of Chitungwiza.
According to the State, at around 10am, Madiviko was travelling north towards Harare central business district along Seke Road.
After passing the St Mary’s junction, he reportedly lost control, causing the left-side wheels of the articulated vehicle to leave the tarmac.
Court papers indicate that Madiviko then overcorrected, swerving into the inner lane before climbing a road island.
The truck struck and killed two pedestrians, Prodigious Mugere and his unnamed girlfriend, who were walking along the island.
The truck then careened into the opposite Chitungwiza-bound lane, colliding head-on with a Nissan Caravan commuter omnibus (ACZ 6937), owned by Wakanda Tours.
The truck overturned rested on top of the omnibus, crushing it extensively.
The driver of the omnibus, Tatenda Silva and 14 passengers died instantly.
The two pedestrians brings the total number of fatalities to 17.
Three passengers from the omnibus and two individuals from the truck, including Madiviko, sustained serious injuries.
Both vehicles were extensively damaged, with the omnibus declared beyond repair.
The State alleged that Madiviko, who was speeding, resulting in him failing to exercise due caution and control the vehicle, was negligent.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Chitungwiza Central Hospital for post-mortem and the reports will be tendered in court as evidence during trial.
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