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Unlicensed driver arrested for causing death of passenger
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A 34-year-old man from Ntalale, Gwanda, has appeared in court following the tragic death of a woman who fell from a trailer attached to a moving tractor he was driving.
Large Sibanda pleaded guilty to charges of driving without a license and culpable homicide when he appeared before Gwanda Provincial Magistrate Ms. Patience Madondo. He was remanded in custody for sentencing.
Prosecutor Mr. Shepherd Moyo told the court that Sibanda, who is unlicensed, was driving a tractor pulling a trailer loaded with 30 bags of maize, each weighing 50kg. The trailer also carried 15 passengers seated atop the maize bags.
"On September 14, the accused loaded 30 bags of maize onto the trailer and further loaded 15 passengers on top of the bags to deliver them to their homes. Along the way, one of the passengers, Ketumetsi Ndebele, fell from the trailer and was crushed under a wheel, dying on the spot," Mr. Moyo explained.
The incident was reported to the police, leading to Sibanda's arrest.
The prosecutor emphasized the severity of Sibanda's negligence, citing his decision to transport passengers on top of a precariously loaded trailer as grossly irresponsible. Additionally, Mr. Moyo highlighted that Sibanda had no legal authority to operate the vehicle, as he lacked a driver's license.
In his defense, Sibanda pleaded for leniency, stating that he was trying to assist the community when the unfortunate incident occurred.
"The tractor's usual driver was unavailable, and the villagers requested my help to transport maize distributed under the drought relief program. I had no intention of causing harm. I deeply regret the incident and have contributed to the burial costs as a sign of my remorse," he said.
Sibanda admitted to taking a risk but insisted that his actions were driven by a desire to help his neighbors.
The case highlights the dangers of unlicensed driving and overloading, with the court expected to weigh Sibanda's intentions against the tragic loss of life. Sentencing is set for today.
Large Sibanda pleaded guilty to charges of driving without a license and culpable homicide when he appeared before Gwanda Provincial Magistrate Ms. Patience Madondo. He was remanded in custody for sentencing.
Prosecutor Mr. Shepherd Moyo told the court that Sibanda, who is unlicensed, was driving a tractor pulling a trailer loaded with 30 bags of maize, each weighing 50kg. The trailer also carried 15 passengers seated atop the maize bags.
"On September 14, the accused loaded 30 bags of maize onto the trailer and further loaded 15 passengers on top of the bags to deliver them to their homes. Along the way, one of the passengers, Ketumetsi Ndebele, fell from the trailer and was crushed under a wheel, dying on the spot," Mr. Moyo explained.
The incident was reported to the police, leading to Sibanda's arrest.
In his defense, Sibanda pleaded for leniency, stating that he was trying to assist the community when the unfortunate incident occurred.
"The tractor's usual driver was unavailable, and the villagers requested my help to transport maize distributed under the drought relief program. I had no intention of causing harm. I deeply regret the incident and have contributed to the burial costs as a sign of my remorse," he said.
Sibanda admitted to taking a risk but insisted that his actions were driven by a desire to help his neighbors.
The case highlights the dangers of unlicensed driving and overloading, with the court expected to weigh Sibanda's intentions against the tragic loss of life. Sentencing is set for today.
Source - The Chronicle
