UNLICENSED DRIVER ESCAPES JAIL, VICTIM'S LEG AMPUTATED

AN unlicensed driver from Mkoba 14, Gweru, who hit a pedestrian resulting in his leg being amputated has been fined $200. Thembinkosi Ndlovu (29) who resides at 1582 Mkoba 12, appeared before Gweru magistrate Ms Judith Taruvinga facing charges of driving without displaying his learners plates, driving without supervision and negligent driving.

She pleaded guilty and in passing sentence, Ms Taruvinga said she had considered that Ndlovu was a first offender who had pleaded guilty, thereby saving the court’s time. She said Ndlovu was remorseful and had taken the complaint to hospital.

“When you noticed that the complainant had been injured, you ferried him to the hospital which shows some remorse,” said Ms Taruvinga. “What is aggravating is the fact that you drove without any supervision and you are fined $200 for three counts.” Prosecutor Ms Chipo Ncube said on June 4 at Mkoba 16 shops, Ndlovu, who is a holder of a provisional driver’s licence, drove her car without displaying the learners’ plate and without an instructor.

“Ndlovu drove her Toyota Passo and parked it in front of the shops at the Mkoba 16 shopping centre in Gweru. At around 10am, the accused got into her car and instead of reversing, she accelerated and the vehicle moved forward and hit Mr Felix Mapwanya.” The court heard that Ndlovu’s vehicle crushed Mr Mapwanya’s leg and it was fractured. Ms Ncube said Mr Mapwanya was ferried to Gweru Provincial Hospital and was later transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo where his leg was amputated.

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