Benhura acquitted of negligent drivings day after meeting Mugabe

RENOWNED sculptor Dominic Benhura has been cleared of negligent driving charges for knocking down a 14-year-old school boy, days after presenting a statue to President Robert Mugabe.

Benhura was taken to court after he allegedly injuring the who was riding his bicycle on his was to school.

 The 14-year-old was instead found negligently cycling in the middle of the road.

He fell about seven metres from the scene whilst Benhura only stopped about six metres away.

The boy sustained broken leg, arm and head injuries.

Benhura is alleged to have failed to stop, keep proper lookout and was travelling at an excessive speed

According to H-Metro, Magistrate Nomsa Sabarauta acquitted Benhura after the investigating officer, who testified in the matter told the court that the boy was the one who acted negligently.

Benhura had denied knocking down and injuring Brendan Gwarada when his trial opened saying:

"I suddenly heard an impact from the left side and the car windscreen. I also heard a sudden bang on the left side and I took a view on the mirror and saw some stuff.

"I stopped and turned. When I got to the scene I failed to see him because there some bushes on either side of the road"

He added, "When I got back I found him lying and I called my brother.

"We were just two when the accident occurred. Another man came and I asked him for water so that I could wash him.

"People who came to the scene were pronouncing him dead but I didn't believe them.

"We rushed to the clinic before were referred to Parirenyatwa," he said.

The incident happened on May 11 at around midday Benhura was driving a Volvo V7 ACI 9076 due South along Marrion Edwards Road Greendale.