Under-age kombi driver banned for life

An under-age Class 2 commuter omnibus driver, who escaped at a police roadblock after being asked to produce his particulars, had his licence cancelled and banned from driving other classes for life.

Iyson Chidzomba (20) of Epworth, Harare, was also sentenced to complete 840 hours of community service by a Chitungwiza magistrate.

Chidzomba pleaded guilty to two counts involving negligent driving and driving a commuter omnibus while under the age of 25.

He appeared before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Lazarus Murendo who handed him a two-and-a-half-year jail term. Mr Murendo suspended six months of the sentence on condition of good behaviour. The remaining two years were set aside on condition that he completes the unpaid work at Domboramwari Clinic in Epworth.

Chidzomba had his licence cancelled and was banned from driving other classes for life with a $100 fine or 20 days in prison.

The prosecutor Mr Tatenda Mukatera told the court that on December 11 Chidzomba was driving a commuter omnibus, a Toyota Hiace along Arnot Road in Harare.

He had 17 passengers on board when he approached a roadblock at around 7am.

Constable Reason Muyambo signalled him to stop and he complied. The court heard that Cst Muyambo demanded to see his particulars.

Sensing danger, Chidzomba reversed his vehicle and drove away at high speed.

However, Chidzomba was later arrested at around 10am where it was discovered that he had not attained the minimum age of 25 to drive a public service vehicle.