Seke Road Horror: Five-Year Jail Term After 17 Killed
A truck driver has been sentenced to an effective five years in prison following a devastating crash along Seke Road in Chitungwiza that claimed the lives of 17 people. The fatal incident, which occurred on 22 July 2025, involved a heavy commercial truck that lost control before ploughing into pedestrians and a commuter omnibus, triggering one of the deadliest road disasters recorded in the area.
The Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court convicted Desire Madiwiko (56) of culpable homicide after a full trial. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the conviction and sentence in a statement, outlining how the tragedy unfolded and how the court arrived at its decision.
How The Deadly Crash Happened
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe detailed the sequence of events that led to the loss of 17 lives and injuries to five others.
“The court established that the offender, while driving a South African-registered Nissan UD heavy truck, operated the vehicle at an excessive speed, lost control, mounted a road island, struck pedestrians and veered into oncoming traffic where he collided with a commuter omnibus,” the authority said.
The statement further described the final moments of the crash.
“The truck overturned and landed onto the omnibus,” the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe added.
The collision left the commuter omnibus crushed beneath the weight of the truck, with emergency services and bystanders confronted by scenes of widespread destruction along the busy highway.
Court’s Verdict And Sentence
After hearing evidence from the prosecution and defence, the court found that the driver’s conduct amounted to gross negligence.
“After a full trial, the court found the offender guilty of gross negligence,” the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said.
The sentence imposed includes a lifetime prohibition from driving Class 2 motor vehicles. The court also barred the offender from driving all other classes of vehicles for two years, cancelling all existing licences. In addition, he was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, with two years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. This resulted in an effective jail term of five years.
Prosecutor Issues National Warning
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe described the outcome as a warning to all motorists, particularly those operating heavy vehicles.
“The NPAZ regards this outcome as a solemn reminder of the consequences of negligent driving, particularly by operators of heavy commercial and public service vehicles who bear a heightened duty of care to other road users,” the authority said.
The statement concluded with a broader appeal to motorists.
“The Authority reminds all road users, particularly motorists, of their duty to responsibility: to protect life, uphold the law, and ensure safety for all,” the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said.
The sentencing brings legal closure months after the July 2025 tragedy, though the impact of the Seke Road crash continues to be felt by families and communities affected by the loss.
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The post Seke Road Tragedy: Truck Driver Jailed Five Years Only After Horror Crash Which Killed 17 appeared first on iHarare News.
