By Dickson Bandera
Harare, Zimbabwe — A 56-year-old truck driver has been sentenced to an effective five years in prison after a fatal road traffic accident along Seke Road in Chitungwiza claimed 17 lives and left five others injured, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has confirmed.
In a statement issued on January 30, 2026, NPAZ said Desire Madiviko was convicted of culpable homicide by the Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court following a full trial arising from the crash that occurred on July 22, 2025.
The court heard that Madiviko was driving a South African-registered Nissan UD heavy truck at excessive speed when he lost control of the vehicle, mounted a road island, struck pedestrians and veered into oncoming traffic. The truck collided with a commuter omnibus, overturned and landed on top of it, resulting in multiple fatalities at the scene.
After assessing the evidence, the court found Madiviko guilty of gross negligence.
In sentencing, the magistrate imposed a seven-year prison term, with two years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving an effective sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
The court also barred Madiviko from driving Class 2 motor vehicles for life and prohibited him from driving all other classes of motor vehicles for two years. All his existing driver’s licences were cancelled.
NPAZ said the conviction and sentence serve as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of negligent driving, particularly by operators of heavy commercial and public service vehicles who bear a heightened duty of care to other road users.
“The Authority reminds all motorists of their responsibility to protect life, uphold the law and ensure safety on the country’s roads,” NPAZ said.
The Seke Road crash ranks among the deadliest road accidents recorded in recent years, once again spotlighting concerns over speeding, heavy vehicle regulation and road safety compliance in Zimbabwe.
