Driver Jailed Two Years After Passenger Hanging On Kombi Fell And Died

A 33-year-old Harare driver has been jailed for two years after a passenger died when he fell from a speeding Toyota Hiace in February.

Nyasha Muteweye was convicted of culpable homicide by the Mbare Magistrates’ Court following the fatal accident along Simon Mazorodze Road. His driver’s licence has been cancelled, and he has been barred from operating Class 2 vehicles for two years.

The court heard that on 5 February 2026, at around midnight, Muteweye was driving towards Waterfalls when he allowed a passenger to hang onto the rear of the moving kombi.

On reaching Chinzou Roundabout, Muteweye failed to negotiate a curve while driving at excessive speed. The vehicle swerved, throwing the passenger off. The victim sustained serious injuries and was admitted to Sally Mugabe Hospital, where he died five days later.

In passing sentence, the court found that Muteweye had acted negligently by permitting unsafe passenger conduct, failing to maintain proper control of the vehicle, and driving at an excessive speed.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the case was a reminder that road safety is a legal obligation.

“Any conduct that endangers passengers, pedestrians, or other road users will attract the full force of the law,” the NPAZ said in a bulletin. “Drivers are urged to exercise utmost care at all times, as negligence may result in loss of life, prosecution, and imprisonment.”

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