The driver of a South African-registered Nissan UD heavy truck involved in a fatal accident on Seke Road, Chitungwiza, on 22 July 2025, has been sentenced to an effective five years in prison by the Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court. The crash claimed the lives of seventeen people and left five others injured.
According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), 56-year-old Desire Madiviko was charged with and convicted of culpable homicide.
The court found that Madiviko, while driving the heavy truck at excessive speed, lost control, mounted a road island, struck pedestrians, and collided with a commuter omnibus in oncoming traffic. The truck eventually overturned and landed on top of the kombi.
After a full trial, the court ruled that Madiviko was guilty of gross negligence. He was handed a lifetime ban from driving Class 2 vehicles, a two-year ban from driving other vehicle classes, with all existing licences cancelled, and a seven-year prison sentence, of which two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour for five years. This resulted in an effective custodial sentence of five years.
The NPA said the sentence serves as a strong reminder of the severe consequences of negligent driving, especially for operators of heavy commercial and public service vehicles, who have a heightened duty of care to other road users.
It stressed that all drivers have a responsibility to protect life, obey the law, and ensure safety on the roads.
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