Lloyd Masanga, a 38-year-old man from Bonde Village in Nyanga, found himself facing legal repercussions after a serious incident on January 30, 2024, when he was charged with negligent driving before the Nyanga Magistrates’ Court.
On that fateful morning, Masanga was behind the wheel of a Nissan UD truck, with three passengers accompanying him.
As he approached the 0.5km peg along the Nyanga-Ruwange road, the unthinkable happened; he struck a school child who was crossing the road on his way to Nyamhuka Primary School.
The impact left the young pedestrian !njured, prompting an immediate rescue effort that saw the victim rushed to Nyanga District Hospital for medical attention.
Fortunately, Masanga’s vehicle only sustained minor scratches, but the gravity of the situation was evident, leading to charges of negligence against him.
The court outlined several particulars of negligence, highlighting three critical failures on Masanga’s part ; he did not sound the horn to alert the child, he was traveling at an excessive speed given the circumstances, and he failed to keep a vigilant lookout for children crossing the road.
Additionally, he overlooked the necessary caution that should have been exercised upon approaching a clearly marked school crossing sign.
The court deliberated on the severity of Masanga’s actions and ultimately sentenced him to pay a hefty fine of USD 350.
Alongside this financial penalty, the court imposed a three-year prohibition on Masanga from driving all class 2, 4, and 5 vehicles, ensuring that he would have ample time to reflect on the consequences of his negligence.
The ruling resonated within the community, emphasizing the legal repercussions of reckless driving and the broader responsibility all motorists have to protect vulnerable pedestrians.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
