KADOMA — A junior medical doctor based at United Bulawayo Hospitals has been fined $300 for causing the death of a motorist in a head-on collision along the Harare-Bulawayo Road in June this year. Own Correspondent
Emmanuel Sithole (27) was last week sentenced on his own plea of guilty to negligent driving and causing the death of Isaac Chemhuru, who was driving in the opposite lane.
Sithole, who holds a valid driver’s licence, was given up to January 30 2015 to pay or risk spending 30 days in prison.
The State case was that on June 29 this year at around 2100hours, Sithole was driving a BMW 318i along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway.
On approaching the 195km peg he reportedly encroached into the lane of a Nissan Atlas truck driven by Chemhuru which was coming from the opposite direction. This resulted in the fatal crash that claimed Chemhuru’s life, leaving other passengers from both vehicles injured.
In mitigation, a remorseful Sithole pleaded for mercy saying he was still traumatised by the horrific accident. He also said he could not recount what occurred moments before the accident as he had been blinded by the glare of lights from the oncoming car.
Sithole said he only remembered regaining consciousness while admitted in hospital.
He offered to compensate the bereaved family over their loss.
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In passing sentence, magistate Takudzwa Gwazemba considered that Sithole was a first offender and a family man who was offering an essential service to the nation.
Charles Muchemwa prosecuted.
