Zimpapers Logo

A Chitungwiza man, who hit a minor who was walking on the side of the road, was on Monday ordered to pay a $200 fine, failure of which he will spend two months in jail for negligent driving. Walter Musakasa was convicted of breaching the Road Traffic Act chapter 13; 11 for negligent driving by Chitungwiza magistrate Mrs Blessing Murwisi.

He pleaded not guilty, but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence produced in court. Mrs Murwisi said Musakasa acted unlawfully and showed ignorance in his driving.

“You were negligent in your driving although it is not gross,” she said. “You saw the child metres away, but still hit her outside the road in a residential area where you were supposed to exercise extreme caution and your moral blameworthy is very high.

“However, it is also the duty of parents and guardians to always keep an eye on where the children are playing.”

The prosecutor Mr Tendai Katonha proved that on April 13, last year, Musakasa was driving a Toyota Hilux with registration number ABP 9308 heading south along an unnamed road in Unit O, Seke.

Upon reaching a certain point along the road, the minor, Nicole Gwadzoka, who was walking close to the road was suddenly hit by the car.

She sustained bruises on her left foot, but was not medically examined. Her parents made a report to the police, leading to Musakasa’s arrest.

Musakasa is a holder of a valid driver’s licence issued in respect of such a class of a motor vehicle. — Herald Reporter.