Kombi driver who ran over student jailed six years

The driver of the commuter omnibus which ran over and killed a Girls High School student has been slapped with an effective six years and eight months imprisonment.

In passing the sentence, Magistrate Elija Makomo said lambasted commuter omnibus drivers for recklessness and turning the country's roads into a traffic jungle.

Mabika, represented by Mr Nathaniel Chigoro, pleaded with the court to impose a short custodial sentence, saying his family is prepared to reimburse the costs incurred by the victim's family.

Mabika further claimed that that he only ran away in fear of his life as the public could have met instant justice.

The state, represented by George Manokore and Lionella Chitanda, crushed Mabika's pleas, arguing that he did not show any remorse as he eloped to hibernate in South Africa instead of seeking refugee at a police station.

Magistrate Makomo also blasted Mabika, an adult of 41 years, for showing the highest degree of recklessness by driving and speeding against oncoming traffic during the rush hour.

He said stiffer penalties will deter would be offenders and restore sanity on the country's roads.

Mabika was driving against the flow of traffic when he ran over a 17-year-old student and injured another person.