Horror crash driver to stand trial

The driver of a South African-registered truck involved in a fatal accident that claimed 17 lives along the Chitungwiza Highway will go on trial on November 3, facing charges of culpable homicide.

The accused, Desire Madiviko (56), will be represented by Raymond Madani of Atherstone and Cook Legal Practitioners.

According to the State, the tragic accident occurred on July 22 when Madiviko allegedly lost control of a Nissan UD Coroner truck (horse registration KH28RW GP) towing a trailer (KCO5FB GP) belonging to Silimus Cold Chain Company of Chitungwiza.

At around 10 a.m., Madiviko was reportedly driving north towards Harare's central business district along Seke Road. After passing the St Mary's junction, he allegedly lost control of the vehicle, causing the left-side wheels to veer off the tarmac.

Court papers indicate that he then attempted to overcorrect, swerving into the inner lane before mounting a road island. The truck struck and killed two pedestrians - Prodigious Mugere and his unnamed girlfriend - who were walking along the island.

The truck then crossed into the opposite, Chitungwiza-bound lane, where it collided head-on with a Nissan Caravan commuter omnibus (ACZ 6937) owned by Wakanda Tours.

The heavy vehicle overturned and came to rest on top of the omnibus, crushing it completely. The omnibus driver, Tatenda Silva, and 14 passengers died instantly, bringing the total fatalities, including the pedestrians, to 17.

Three passengers from the omnibus and two individuals from the truck, including Madiviko himself, sustained serious injuries. Both vehicles were extensively damaged, with the omnibus declared beyond repair.

The prosecution alleges that Madiviko was speeding and failed to exercise due care and control of the vehicle, resulting in the catastrophic collision.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to Chitungwiza Central Hospital for post-mortem examinations. The resulting reports will be presented in court as part of the evidence during trial.