The driver of a fuel tanker involved in a horrific crash near the Sebakwe River along the Harare–Bulawayo highway on 27 May 2025 has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for culpable homicide. The accident claimed 12 lives.
Silas Mazipethela (49), who was employed by Crandid Investments at the time, was also handed a five-month jail term for negligent driving.
Magistrate Mildre Matuvi suspended six months of the culpable homicide sentence on condition that Mazipethela does not commit a similar offence. His driver’s licence was also cancelled.
The court heard that Mazipethela, from Mainway Meadows in Waterfalls, Harare, lost control of the fuel-laden tanker while trying to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming lorry.
The tanker overturned and landed on top of an AD van carrying 12 passengers, all of whom died at the scene.
The victims were identified as: James Ncube (23) of Village 12, Sherwood; Emily Mpofu Mucheuki (25) of Plot 27, Sherwood; Reward Nyatsongo (28) of Village 7, Marivale; Farai Bisendi (47) of Mbizo 16; Emmanuel Mangomana (21); Maria Jasi (43) of Mbizo 16 Extension; Marvellous Mapanzure (20) and Joshua Muza (35) of Indarama Mine; Sarudzai Moramasaka (26) of Alarm 2 Compound; Beauty Mudereki (52) of Sherwood; Violety Juja (40) of Mbizo; and Henly Mutambara (34) of Mbizo.
More: Midlands Observer
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