Kenyan Truck Driver Jailed After Fatal Crash Kills Three Members of Bridal Party

Wreckage at Mufusire Uphill following a fatal crash that killed three members of a bridal party

A Kenyan truck driver has been sentenced to two years in prison by a Zimbabwean court following a horrific crash at the notorious Mufusire Uphill in Headlands that killed three members of a bridal party and left a young woman seriously injured. Ibrahim Albashire Adanw was convicted of culpable homicide after driving his truck into the wrong lane and colliding head-on with a Nissan Note on December 23, a day meant to mark the beginning of wedding celebrations.

The victims, Ngonidzashe Gift Simango (25), Taurai Kaseke (30), and Ngoni Mutsoka (28) died instantly at the scene. Simango’s 22-year-old sister, Caroline, survived but sustained serious injuries. Simango had been travelling to Ruwa to formally meet his fiancée’s family for a traditional roora (bride price) ceremony, accompanied by his church deacon, best friend, and sister. The journey ended in tragedy along one of Zimbabwe’s most dangerous stretches of road.

Guilty Plea Reversed, Then Conviction

Adanw initially pleaded guilty when he first appeared before Rusape magistrate Barbara Mateko. However, after hiring lawyer Tendai Bvuma, he applied to change his plea to not guilty, arguing that his original admission had not been fully informed.

The move shocked the victims’ families, who are still grappling with their loss. Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa opposed the plea reversal, telling the court that Adanw had freely admitted the key facts surrounding the crash. Magistrate Mateko nevertheless allowed the matter to proceed to a full trial.

Court Details Reckless Driving

During the trial, Mutukwa outlined how the crash occurred. “On December 23, at around 8 am, the accused was driving a white Benz truck (AGI 288 MP) towards Mutare,” she told the court.

“Upon approaching the 120km peg, he encroached into the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on collision with a Nissan Note (ACH 0831).” She said Adanw had been overtaking in the face of oncoming traffic, driving at excessive speed, and failed to take evasive action despite the danger being clear. Post-mortem reports showed that all three victims died from severe head injuries. Both vehicles were extensively damaged.

Although Adanw expressed remorse before trial and his employer assisted with burial costs, the court found his negligence to be severe. He was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. The ruling brings a measure of closure for grieving families but also renews concern over deadly accidents at Mufusire Uphill, a known accident black spot.

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