A Harare driver must return to court after judges found problems with his driving ban. Gerald Mangwenyama drove his Honda Fit against traffic rushing to work and pleaded guilty to reckless driving. The trial court fined him $450 or four months in prison and banned him from driving certain vehicles for six months. Justice Esther Muremba said the ban was not strict enough. She worried Mangwenyama could still drive buses and motorcycles.
The judge said reckless driving hurts road safety no matter what vehicle someone drives. Banning only some vehicles does not protect people or stop bad driving habits. Mangwenyama can still drive larger vehicles that carry more passengers and cause more damage. Justice Muremba said the trial judge did not explain why the ban was limited. The law says driving bans should cover all vehicle types unless courts give specific reasons.
Justice Muremba ordered the trial judge to call Mangwenyama back to court. He must explain why his driving ban should not cover all vehicles for six months. The original judge has six months to fix the sentence under traffic laws. Deputy Judge President Justice Garainesu Mawadze agreed with the decision.
The judge said reckless driving hurts road safety no matter what vehicle someone drives. Banning only some vehicles does not protect people or stop bad driving habits. Mangwenyama can still drive larger vehicles that carry more passengers and cause more damage. Justice Muremba said the trial judge did not explain why the ban was limited. The law says driving bans should cover all vehicle types unless courts give specific reasons.
Justice Muremba ordered the trial judge to call Mangwenyama back to court. He must explain why his driving ban should not cover all vehicles for six months. The original judge has six months to fix the sentence under traffic laws. Deputy Judge President Justice Garainesu Mawadze agreed with the decision.
