Harare Man Jailed, Permanently Banned After Driving Kombi Against Oncoming Traffic

Harare Man Jailed, Permanently Banned After Driving Kombi Against Oncoming Traffic

A Harare magistrate has sentenced 32-year-old Ruzvidzo Freedom of Hatcliffe to two years’ imprisonment for reckless driving and permanently banned him from holding a driver’s licence.

Freedom was arrested after driving against oncoming traffic in a Toyota Hiace kombi at the busy intersection of Second Street (Sam Nujoma) and Upper East Road. Court records seen by iHarare show that he ignored traffic rules, entered a one-way lane, and obstructed other motorists during peak rush hour. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the court ruled his actions put public safety at serious risk.

In addition to his jail term, Freedom’s driver’s licence has been revoked, and he is permanently barred from operating vehicles in classes 2, 4, and 5, which include omnibuses, trucks, and heavy vehicles.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) emphasised that reckless driving will not be tolerated. “Public safety comes first. Every reckless driver is a potential killer on our roads,” the authority warned, reminding motorists that those who endanger lives face harsh penalties, including imprisonment and lifetime driving bans.

Authorities continue to urge drivers to follow traffic laws to prevent accidents and protect lives.

In a separate case, 49-year-old Maphosa Barnabas, a driver for Timboon Coaches, appeared in Harare Magistrates’ Court for contravening the Road Traffic Act by reckless driving.

On 26 August 2025, at around 11:00 am, Barnabas drove a public service vehicle recklessly in Harare’s CBD. He drove against oncoming traffic at an undesignated point while attempting to pick up passengers. Police pursuing him with sirens and beacons had to chase him as he drove on the pavement before reaching his garage in Msasa, where he was arrested. He was remanded in custody to 1 September 2025 for bail application.

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