Lifetime Driving Ban For Kombi Driver Who Went Against Oncoming Traffic

Kombi Driver Banned From Driving For Life After Going Against Oncoming Traffic

A Harare kombi driver has been jailed and banned from driving for life after a shocking rush hour incident that saw him drive directly into oncoming traffic. Ruzvidzo Freedom, 32, was sentenced at the Harare Magistrates Court on 28 March 2025 for a reckless driving offence that put countless lives at risk.

The court heard that Freedom, from Hatcliffe, was behind the wheel of a Toyota Hiace minibus. He deliberately entered a one-way lane at the busy Second Street and Upper East Road intersection. His dangerous manoeuvre forced other motorists to take evasive action to avoid a major collision. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the terrifying event.

“His Actions Placed The Public At Great Risk”

In a statement released on 28 March 2025, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe detailed the court’s ruling. The authority emphasised the severity of the driver’s actions, despite the fortunate outcome.

The Harare Magistrates Court has sentenced Ruzvidzo Freedom (32), of Hatchiffe, Harare to two years effective imprisonment for reckless driving after he was caught driving against oncoming traffic at the busy Second Street (Sam Nujoma) and Upper East Road intersection.

The statement from the prosecutors made the court’s position perfectly clear. The judge ruled that the driver’s behaviour was completely unacceptable.

Though no injuries were recorded, the court ruled that his actions placed the public at great risk.

A Lifetime Driving Ban Enforced

The sentence handed down was exceptionally harsh. Freedom received a two-year prison term with no option for a fine. Furthermore, the court imposed a permanent ban on his ability to drive professionally, effectively ending his career as a kombi driver.

His driver’s licence was canceled and he has been permanently prohibited from driving vehicle classes 2, 4, and 5, which cover minibuses, trucks, and heavy vehicles.

This aspect of the punishment means he can never again legally operate the type of vehicle he was driving during the offence. The National Prosecuting Authority used the case to send a powerful message to all motorists across the country. Their bulletin concluded with a stark warning.

Reckless driving will not be tolerated. Driving against traffic endangers lives and can cause deadly accidents. Offenders will face harsh penalties, including imprisonment and lifetime driving bans. Public safety comes first. Every reckless driver is a potential killer on our roads.