Joyride conviction: Bulawayo domestic worker jailed, ordered to community service

A Bulawayo domestic worker has been sentenced to partially suspended jail time and 280 hours of community service after pleading guilty to using his employer’s Mercedes-Benz without permission (image source)

A 22-year-old domestic worker from Hillside, Bulawayo, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, partially suspended, after pleading guilty to using his employer’s Mercedes-Benz without consent. The court also ordered him to complete 280 hours of community service.

Emmanuel Hadebe, employed as a gardener by Khanondo Safaris and Tours (Pvt) Ltd managing director Vimbai Chivandire, admitted taking the S350 from the employer’s garage on January 14 and driving towards the city centre without permission. Police arrested him after officers observed reckless driving. Prosecutor Methuli Ncube told the court that the accused claimed he intended only to refuel the vehicle.

Under Section 57(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act, Hadebe’s guilty plea attracted a custodial sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment, with four months suspended for five years on condition of no repeat offending. The remaining eight months were suspended on condition that he completes 280 hours of community service at Ekusileni Primary School. The sentence balances punishment with rehabilitation, reflecting the court’s view of the seriousness of the offence and the potential for restorative sanctions.

In mitigation, Hadebe’s explanation that he sought to refuel the car did not persuade the court to avoid a custodial term, although the suspension and community service indicate judicial willingness to temper imprisonment with community-based penalties where appropriate. Legal observers note that courts often weigh the owner’s loss, public safety risks from reckless driving and the offender’s remorse when determining sentences for vehicle-related offences.

For employers and households, the case serves as a reminder to secure keys and vehicles and to ensure clear employment agreements that set boundaries on vehicle use. For domestic workers, it underscores the serious legal consequences of unauthorised use of employer property and the importance of seeking permission before handling vehicles.