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Sylvester Chiramba, Court Reporter
A FORM six pupil from Bulawayo who was involved in a car accident which claimed the life of one person and injured two others has been ordered to perform 210 hours of community service.

Fredrick Dube (20) from Cowdray Park suburb lost control of a Ford Ranger and rammed into a shop and some vending stalls on October 29 claiming the life of 11-year-old Menzele Siziba.

The incident occurred in Cowdray Park suburb.

Dube pleaded guilty to culpable homicide before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndhlovu on Thursday.

Mr Ndhlovu sentenced him to six months in prison.

Dube heaved a sigh of relief after the magistrate commuted the sentence to 210 hours of community service. Dube was also prohibited from driving for six months.

“Imprisonment should be the last option,” said Mr Ndhlovu. “I do not agree with a fine either, I am forced to impose community service.”

Prosecuting Mr Tony Kamudyariwa said on October 29 at around 8AM, Dube was driving a Ford Ranger along an unnamed road in Cowdray Park.

“When Dube was opposite the Deliverance Healing and Prayer Church, he lost control of the vehicle on a curve before veering off the road and hitting Menzeni Siziba who was standing at a vending stall before he rammed into an Econet shop and two other vending stalls,’ said Mr Kamudyariwa

“As a result of the accident, Siziba sustained serious head injuries and died on the spot. Two other pedestrians namely Sithokozile Dube and Doreen Pedzi were injured in the accident.”

The deceased’s body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post mortem. —  @SlyCee10