The Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court has sentenced 56-year-old truck driver Desire Madiviko to an effective five-year prison term following a devastating road traffic accident that claimed 17 lives on July 22, 2025.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the sentencing, bringing closure to one of the country’s deadliest road tragedies in recent memory. Madiviko was convicted of culpable homicide and gross negligence after the court heard that he was driving a South African-registered Nissan UD heavy truck at excessive speed along Seke Road.
According to court findings, the truck driver lost control of the vehicle near Hunyani Bridge, mounted a road island, and struck several pedestrians before veering into oncoming traffic. The truck then collided with a commuter omnibus and overturned, landing on top of the smaller vehicle. In addition to the 17 fatalities, five other people sustained injuries in the crash.
The court initially imposed a seven-year prison sentence but suspended two years for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving Madiviko to serve an effective five years behind bars.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the magistrate issued a lifetime ban prohibiting him from operating Class 2 motor vehicles. He has also been barred from driving all other vehicle classes for two years, with all his existing driver’s licences immediately cancelled.
In a statement, the NPAZ described the judgment as a solemn reminder of the heavy responsibility carried by drivers of commercial and public service vehicles. The authority emphasized that the ruling should serve as a warning to all motorists about the importance of road safety and the duty to protect human life.
The tragedy remains etched in public memory, highlighting the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the urgent need for stricter adherence to traffic laws.
