Joyride stops in jail for domestic worker

A 22-year-old Bulawayo domestic worker's unauthorised joyride in his employer's luxury vehicle ended abruptly when his reckless driving drew the attention of police, leading to his arrest and conviction.

Emmanuel Hadebe of Hillside suburb was convicted on his own plea of guilty to using a motor vehicle without the owner's consent, an offence in terms of Section 57(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act.

The court sentenced him to 12 months' imprisonment, with four months suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period. The remaining eight months were suspended on condition that he performs 280 hours of community service at Ekusileni Primary School.

In mitigation, Hadebe told the court that he had taken the vehicle with the intention of refuelling it.

Prosecutor Mr Methuli Ncube said the incident occurred on January 14 at around 9.55am. Hadebe, who is employed as a gardener by Khanondo Safaris and Tours (Pvt) Ltd managing director Mr Vimbai Chivandire, allegedly took his employer's Mercedes-Benz S350 from the garage at their Hillside residence without permission.

"He went on a joyride towards the city centre without the complainant's knowledge or consent. The accused was arrested before he reached town after police officers noticed his reckless driving," said Mr Ncube.