Chinhoyi Driver Jailed Two Years, Banned From Driving For Life After Drunk Driving
A 43-year-old Harare man has been sentenced to an effective two years in prison and permanently banned from driving after he overtook a stationary truck on the wrong side of the road while drunk in Chinhoyi.
Miro Godknows Maringisi was convicted of reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol by the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court following an incident along the Harare–Chirundu Road on 6 October 2026.
His driver’s licence was cancelled, and he was prohibited from driving any class of motor vehicle for life.
Also Read: Karoi Man Jailed And Banned For Life After Drunk Driving
Driver Overtakes Truck At Traffic Lights
The incident occurred at around 3pm when Maringisi was driving a Toyota Hiace passenger service vehicle carrying door frames and doors on its roof.
As he approached a traffic-light-controlled junction, he attempted to overtake a stationary truck that was waiting for a green light by passing it on the left side of the road.
The manoeuvre resulted in the Toyota Hiace sideswiping the truck and damaging its left side-view mirror.
Breathalyser Test Reveals High Alcohol Level
Police officers who attended the scene suspected that Maringisi was under the influence of alcohol based on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
A breathalyser test subsequently recorded an alcohol concentration of 417 milligrams per 100 millilitres, well above the legal limit.
The court convicted him of reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, imposing a 24-month prison sentence for each offence.
The two sentences will run concurrently, leaving Maringisi with an effective prison term of two years.
Driver Permanently Disqualified From Road
In addition to the prison sentence, Maringisi’s driver’s licence was cancelled, and he was permanently barred from driving all classes of motor vehicles.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) urged motorists to avoid driving after consuming alcohol, warning that intoxication impairs judgement and slows reaction times.
The authority said drunk driving increases the risk of road accidents, endangering drivers, passengers and other road users.
It also warned that motorists who break the law will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
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