Woman acquitted on charges of driving without due care

A Bulawayo woman who was facing charges of driving without due care and attention has been acquitted after the court found no evidence linking her to the alleged offence.


Reginah Hokonya (68) was cleared by Bulawayo magistrate Casimilia Madzikatire following an application for discharge at the close of the State case filed by her lawyer, Brian Robi.

Hokonya, of Famona, had pleaded not guilty to allegations that she caused an accident on 4 December 2023 along Plumtree Road near Merlin Shop while driving a Ford Ranger single‑cab pickup.

The State had alleged that she suddenly changed lanes without due care, encroaching into the inner lane as she intended to turn right, resulting in a collision with a Toyota Axio driven by Onward Kapeta. Both vehicles sustained damage.

Police attended the scene and charged Hokonya.

In her defence, Hokonya said she had indicated right and slowed down as she approached ABC Auctions, intending to turn. She told the court she then heard a screeching sound followed by a sudden impact from behind, which pushed her vehicle forward before she could apply emergency brakes.

She insisted she had not changed lanes and argued that the accident was caused by the other driver, who had been following too closely and failed to maintain a safe braking distance. She also said Kapeta initially suggested that the accident was minor and that they should avoid involving the police, but she insisted on reporting the matter.

Hokonya said she took photographs of the accident scene and the damage to both vehicles before police arrived. She further stated that officers interviewed both parties and opened a docket against Kapeta.

After reviewing the evidence, the magistrate ruled that the State had failed to prove its case, leading to Hokonya’s acquittal.