Kombi driver accused of killing boy (4), denied bail

A Harare Magistrate Tuesday denied bail to a kombi driver who is accused of killing a four-year-old boy in a freak accident in the city centre last week.

According to the state's case the driver had no medical certificate as required by law.

The accused, Lloyd Kusotera (28) of Zengeza 5 Chitungwiza appeared before Harare provincial Magistrate, Douglas Chikwewe facing a culpable homicide charge and a separate offence of contravening the Road Traffic Act.

Chikwekwe denied Kusotera bail citing the gravity of the charges he was facing.

He highlighted the need to remand the accused in custody as he was operating without a medical certificate adding that Kusotera was likely to abscond trial if released.

The Magistrate further noted that, granting bail to Kusotera would defeat the course of justice, hence the need to remand him in custody.

Kusotera was employed as a commuter omnibus driver by Jinga Tours Transport Company. It is alleged that on April 22 2014, at around 1700hours, Kusotera was driving a white Toyota Hiace registration number ACQ7293 and was picking up passengers at an undesignated pick-up point.

In an attempt to flee from traffic police officers, Kusotera allegedly drove into a one way and hit Tanatswa Neil Mutyora of Rugare high density suburb, who later died on admission at the Avenues Clinic.

Prosecutor Francesca Mukumbiri opposed bail indicating that Kusotera was a flight risk. She also highlighted to the court that, the degree of negligence and recklessness shown by the accused was high.

The driver was remanded in custody to May 8 2014, for continuation of trial.