A Harare kombi driver, Tapiwa Kaseke (28), will spend the next two years behind bars after he was sentenced to 36 months in prison for evading arrest following a dangerous driving incident that resulted in multiple vehicle collisions. Magistrate Apollonia Marutya presided over the matter and suspended 12 months of the sentence on condition of good behaviour, effectively leaving Kaseke to serve 24 months in prison.
The ruling follows an incident that took place on April 29 at the busy intersection of Robert Mugabe Road and Angwa Street, right in the heart of the capital. According to state prosecutor Farayi Makuyana, Kaseke was driving a Nissan Caravan—a popular make among kombi drivers—when he attempted to evade law enforcement officers who had approached him for alleged negligent driving.
Instead of complying with their request to stop, Kaseke made a shocking decision. As the traffic officers drew near, he jumped out of the still-moving vehicle, abandoning the steering wheel and fleeing on foot. The unmanned vehicle, left without control, veered off course and crashed into a traffic light pole before slamming into two other vehicles parked nearby.
The aftermath was chaotic. One of the cars involved sustained a shattered windscreen and significant damage to the roof. The second vehicle suffered a badly damaged right fender, a crumpled bumper, and a dented bonnet. Fortunately, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported, though several pedestrians in the vicinity were visibly shaken.
Kaseke’s attempt to flee the scene was short-lived. His dramatic escape drew the attention of both the traffic officers and members of the public, who quickly mobilized to assist in apprehending him. He was caught moments later and taken into custody, where he was formally charged with negligent driving and evading lawful arrest.
In court, Kaseke pleaded guilty to the charges. He admitted that he panicked when approached by officers because he was aware of his previous record and feared the consequences of another arrest. However, the magistrate did not consider his explanation a sufficient justification for his reckless and dangerous behaviour.
“The court has a duty to protect the public from reckless drivers, especially those who operate public transport vehicles. Kombi drivers must act responsibly at all times,” said Magistrate Marutya during sentencing. She emphasised that Kaseke’s actions had placed not only himself but many innocent people at risk.
Kombi Driver Tapiwa Kaseke Sentenced to 24 Months for Evading Arrest
The sentence is widely seen as part of a broader effort by the judiciary to clamp down on lawlessness in the public transport sector, particularly among kombi drivers who frequently flout traffic regulations. Zimbabwe’s roads have, in recent years, become increasingly perilous due to a combination of poor enforcement, unroadworthy vehicles, and aggressive driving behaviour.
Authorities say the ruling should serve as a deterrent to other kombi drivers who exhibit similar disregard for public safety and the law. With road traffic accidents continuing to claim lives across the country, many believe the justice system must send a clear message to reckless drivers that such conduct will not be tolerated.
“This sentence is a wake-up call,” said a commuter who witnessed the April 29 incident. “We use kombis every day, and some of these drivers act like they’re above the law. Hopefully, this will make others think twice before putting passengers and pedestrians in danger.”
Transport watchdogs and civic organisations have also weighed in on the matter. Some are calling for increased police visibility, better training for public transport drivers, and stricter penalties for repeat offenders. Others are urging the government to implement comprehensive reforms in the transport sector, including improved licensing systems and regular vehicle inspections.
Meanwhile, Kaseke is set to begin serving his sentence immediately. While he may be eligible for parole depending on his conduct in prison, legal experts say his case sets an important precedent for how the courts may treat similar offences going forward.
In a country where kombi drivers often make headlines for the wrong reasons—ranging from reckless speeding to overloading and violent altercations with police—this ruling could signal the start of a more disciplined era in Zimbabwe’s troubled public transport system.
As the nation reflects on this high-profile case, one thing is clear: the days of kombi drivers evading accountability may soon be numbered.
Source- Bulawayo24
