6th Avenue kombi driver who killed 2 pedestrians denied bail

The 28-year-old Bulawayo kombi driver who recently ploughed into a group of people along the 6th Avenue illegal taxi rank, killing two and injuring 15, has been denied bail.

Simbarashe Chokumanyara of Emakhandeni suburb appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate, Ms Patience Madondo, on Wednesday facing culpable homicide charges.

The State, represented by Ms Rumbidzai Gwishiri, opposed the bail application.

“The accused person drove his vehicle in a public place at high speed and ran over 14 people, killing two on the spot.

“Some of the victims sustained serious injuries and were hospitalised. Among those injured, one person is battling for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while another victim fractured his leg and suffered a permanent injury,” she said.

“This shows that the accused was grossly negligent, knowing that he had less than five years of driving experience. The actions of the accused attracted the attention of members of the public, and it is, therefore, prudent for the court to act in the interest of justice,” said Ms Gwishiri.

Chokumanyara was remanded in custody until 10 March.

Prosecuting, Ms Gwishiri told the court that on 28 January at around 7.30PM, Chokumanyara was driving a Toyota Hiace kombi vehicle, registration number ACL 4788, along 6th Avenue between Lobengula Street and Herbert Chitepo Street.

The vehicle had 17 passengers on board and he was reportedly speeding.

The court heard that Chokumanyara lost control of the kombi, side-swiped a tree, and struck two pedestrians who died instantly, while 15 passengers sustained injuries.

The injured were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, while the two bodies were taken to the mortuary at the same hospital.

The vehicle was sent to the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) in Bulawayo for inspection. *_-B-Metro_*