MAN JAILED FOR SIX MONTHS AFTER BIKE ACCIDENT LED TO THE DEATH OF A PASSENGER

A 51-YEAR-OLD man from Rusape has been jailed after being convicted for culpable homicide after a motorbike accident that killed his passenger. Rainmore Gwarada, who was riding the bike without a licence, gave a lift to fellow villager Tongesai Chitsike. Chitsike was confirmed dead on arrival at Rusape General Hospital.

Gwarada appeared before magistrate Tendai Mahwe facing two charges–one count of causing death by culpable homicide and another count of contravening the Road Traffic Act (Chapter 13:11), which criminalises driving without a licence. Gwarada, who was not represented, pleaded guilty to both charges. He was sentenced to 80 days in jail, with an option of a fine of US$110, for operating the bike without a licence.

For causing the death of the passenger, he was jailed for six months. Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Gwarada also allowed Chitsike to board the bike without a helmet. “On September 29, 2024 at around 8pm, Gwarada was riding an unregistered red Speed bike motorcycle along the Rusape–Bingaguru road towards Rusape with one passenger, Tongesai Chitsike, on board.

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“Upon approaching Village 46, Bingaguru, the accused lost control of the motorcycle and fell. “The passenger, Tongesai Chitsike, who was not wearing a protective helmet, sustained head injuries. “Chitsike was rushed to Rusape General Hospital, where he died on arrival. “His body was taken to the mortuary, where a post mortem examination by a doctor concluded that the deceased had suffered a traumatic brain injury to the head,” said Mutukwa.

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