Passenger Wrestles Driver For Control Of Trip Trans Bus On Harare–Mutare Highway

A passenger on a Mutare-bound Trip Trans bus almost caused a tragedy on the Harare–Mutare Highway last Monday after grabbing the steering wheel, forcing the vehicle off the road and putting dozens of passengers at risk.

Munyaradzi Mutede, 33, of Glen View 3, Harare, was arrested at the scene and later convicted by Rusape provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe of interfering with a driver without reasonable cause.

Mutede was charged with contravening Section 60(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act. He was fined US$300 or, in default of payment, sentenced to four months’ imprisonment.

Presenting the State case, Edmore Mahlanganise told the court that Mutede boarded the bus at Mbare Musika and bought a ticket to Rusape.

While travelling along the Harare–Mutare Highway, he allegedly demanded to be dropped at the Mufusire incline in Headlands, an undesignated stopping point.

When the crew refused, citing road safety regulations and company policy, Mutede reportedly became agitated and confronted the driver, Maviza Edison Simba.

In a sudden outburst, he allegedly lunged for the steering wheel, grappling with the driver for control of the vehicle.

The struggle caused the bus to swerve off the highway before it came to a stop several metres from the road.

Although no fatalities were recorded, some passengers sustained minor injuries in the ensuing chaos.

Incensed passengers reportedly overpowered Mutede and assaulted him before handing him over to the police.

“On July 1, the accused person boarded a bus at Mbare Musika Bus Terminus and paid bus fare up to Rusape,” said Mahlanganise.

“On approaching Mufusire Mountain, at the 122km peg along Harare-Mutare Highway, the accused person advised the bus crew that he wanted to drop off.

“The bus crew refused to stop, stating that there was no bus stop and that he had paid the bus fare up to Rusape.

“A misunderstanding arose between the driver and the accused person. The accused person got hold of the steering wheel of the moving bus, causing the bus to veer off the road to the left before it stopped.

“No one was injured, and the bus suffered two broken left windows. The accused acted unlawfully.”

Mutede, who was unrepresented when he appeared before Mahwe, was convicted on his own plea of guilty.

The Mufusire incline is notorious for robbers who prey on slow-moving lorries and stationary vehicles. Several motorists have been robbed there over the years.

More: The Manica Post