Wellington Ngona, a 42-year-old man from Kuwadzana 1, was arraigned before the Mbare Magistrate’s Court on culpable homicide charges following his involvement in an accident that occurred along Bulawayo Road.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe issued a statement announcing the matter against Wellington Ngona, who is facing culpable homicide charges in relation to the accident that occurred along Bulawayo Road.
“Wellington Ngona (42) from Kuwadzana 1, Harare who is employed as a commuter omnibus driver was arraigned before the Mbare Magistrate’s Court facing culpable homicide charges,” said the statement.
According to the statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the accused, Wellington Ngona, was involved in a tragic road traffic accident that occurred at “pamagetsi”, Kuwadzana along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway.
“On 31st of October 2024 at around 0530hrs, the accused person was driving a Toyota Hiace (AGB 0734) when he collided with a petrol tanker (AFJ 7074) and trailer (AFJ 6125) driven by Basil Murwira at the intersection of Harare – Bulawayo Road and First Street in Kuwadzana a place popularly known as “pamagetsi”.
“The accident resulted in the tragic deaths of seven passengers who were in the commuter omnibus and eight passengers were severely injured,” said NPA.
The statement further revealed that survivors of the accident were treated at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
The National Prosecuting Authority stated that it is the state’s case that the accused, Wellington Ngona, was negligent in several ways leading to the tragic accident.
“The state is alleging that the accused person was negligent in the following manner:
1. Failing to have a proper look out of the road.
2.Turning across the path of the oncoming traffic.
3.Failing to stop or act reasonably when accident seemed imminent,” announced the statement.
The accused will be back in court on the 12th of December 2024 for trial.
Meanwhile, Ruwen Silioni (40) from Alexandra Park, Harare was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment for contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act when he appeared before Harare Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The accused person was found in possession of raw six pieces of unmarked Ivory which he intended to sell to potential buyers in Avondale, Harare, on the 19th of April 2024.
The raw Ivory weighed 10,43kgs and valued at USD 1 773 was recovered from the accused person.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
