Reckless Kombi Driver Jailed For Running Red Robot In Harare
A reckless commuter omnibus, kombi, driver has been jailed for more than two years after failing to stop at a red traffic light at one of Harare’s busiest intersections. The incident, which occurred last month at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze Road and Remembrance Drive in Mbare, drew public outrage as passengers and other motorists were put in danger.
Sentencing At Mbare Magistrates’ Court
According to ZBC News, Mandava was convicted by the Mbare Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 15 September 2025.
The court heard how he ignored a red traffic signal at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze Road and Remembrance Drive in Mbare last month, endangering the lives of passengers and other motorists.
Mandava received a two-year custodial sentence for reckless driving. In addition, he was given a further six months in jail for driving without a valid licence.
The magistrate also imposed fines. He was ordered to pay US$100 (approximately R1,800) for refusing to comply with police instructions and US$200 (approximately R3,600) after it was discovered that he had supplied a false name during his arrest.
Police Investigations Uncover Lies
Police investigations later revealed his true identity. The court was told that Mandava had attempted to mislead officers by using a fake name at the time of his arrest.
A police source was quoted as saying:
“The driver initially gave us false information during his arrest. After further checks, his real details were confirmed, leading to additional penalties being imposed by the court.”
This revelation added to the seriousness of the case, with the extra charges highlighting the extent of his attempts to evade justice.
Rare Jail Term And Comparisons
Prison sentences for kombi drivers are uncommon in Zimbabwe, where most offenders usually face fines or community service. The sentencing has sparked widespread discussion on the state of road safety in the country.
A commuter who frequently uses the route told ZBC News:
“Every day we see these drivers breaking the law, ignoring traffic lights and speeding. It’s a miracle more accidents don’t happen. Maybe this sentence will make others think twice.”
This case comes at a time when the authorities are under pressure to deal with reckless public transport operators. Just two months earlier, on 18 July 2025, another kombi driver, Paul Tsiga, was jailed for two years for driving into oncoming traffic on the Harare-Bulawayo highway.
On 5 September 2025, a Harare motorist, Ernest Ringisai Mauna, was also sentenced to two years in prison and banned from driving for life after causing a fatal accident.
The judiciary’s approach has also been compared with the case of musician Kudakwashe Hombarume, popularly known as Chillmaster. In April 2025, he was initially spared jail after being convicted of culpable homicide when his car hit and killed a pedestrian. However, on 4 September 2025, the High Court overturned that ruling, calling the community service sentence “outrageous” and emphasising the need for custodial penalties in road carnage cases.
At the resentencing, Chillmaster was banned from driving for nine months, the minimum penalty required by the High Court, despite the fact that he was unlicensed.
With President Emmerson Mnangagwa having earlier expressed concern about Zimbabwe’s high road carnage — 4,069 deaths were recorded in 2024 — the courts now appear to be taking a tougher stance on reckless drivers.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Reckless Kombi Driver Jailed 2 Years For Failing To Stop At Red ‘Robot’ appeared first on iHarare News.
