Tinotenda Hove – The Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a 56-year-old truck driver to an effective five years in prison following a horrific road traffic accident along Seke Road that claimed the lives of 17 people and left five others injured.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the conviction and sentencing of Desire Madiviko for a fatal crash that occurred on 22 July 2025 in Chitungwiza.

Madiviko was convicted of culpable homicide after the court found that his actions amounted to gross negligence.

According to the court findings, Madiviko was driving a South African-registered Nissan UD heavy truck at excessive speed when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck mounted a road island, struck pedestrians, and then veered into oncoming traffic, where it collided with a commuter omnibus.

The truck overturned and landed on top of the omnibus, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Following a full trial, the court imposed a range of penalties on the convicted driver. Madiviko was handed a lifetime prohibition from driving Class 2 motor vehicles. He was also banned from driving all other classes of motor vehicles for two years, with all existing licences cancelled.

In addition, the court sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment, with two years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. This leaves him with an effective prison term of five years.

The NPAZ said the outcome serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of negligent driving, particularly by operators of heavy commercial and public service vehicles who carry a heightened duty of care to other road users.

“The Authority reminds all road users, particularly motorists, of their duty to act responsibly: to protect life, uphold the law, and ensure safety for all,” the NPAZ said.