Kombi Driver Jailed for Crash That Claimed Eight Lives in Harare Horror Smash
A Harare kombi driver will spend the next three years behind bars after a moment of reckless driving ended in tragedy, claiming eight innocent lives.
Wellington Ngona, 42, was convicted of culpable homicide by the Mbare Magistrates’ Court following a grisly crash that occurred in the early hours of 31 October 2024.
According to court records, Ngona was behind the wheel of a Toyota Hiace carrying 13 passengers when he made a fatal decision turning right onto Bulawayo Road from the Harare–Bulawayo intersection without checking for oncoming traffic.
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His kombi was instantly rammed by a speeding haulage tanker, sending the commuter vehicle tumbling and scattering debris across the road.
The scene was described by witnesses as “a nightmare of twisted metal and screams.”
Five passengers were pronounced dead upon arrival at Sally Mugabe Hospital, while three more lost their fight for life at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
Investigations revealed Ngona’s gross negligence he had failed to keep a proper lookout and take reasonable steps to avoid the crash.
In delivering judgment, the magistrate condemned Ngona’s conduct as “a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of recklessness on our roads.”
Ngona was sentenced to three years in prison and slapped with a lifetime ban from driving kombis and heavy vehicles.
He was also barred from driving any other vehicle for six months.
