Thursday, September 25, 2025 - A man collapsed and died in court in Rusape, Zimbabwe, last week while awaiting sentencing on a negligent driving charge, leaving his case unresolved.
The deceased, identified as Blessing Kalatala, had earlier
pleaded guilty to the offence. He fell ill last Friday during proceedings
before Magistrate Babra Mateko, who was preparing to deliver his sentence.
Court officials said Kalatala was immediately taken to Rusape Remand Prison for
medical attention but passed away later that evening.
The case stemmed from a traffic accident that occurred on
the Harare–Mutare Road in October 2024. Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court
that Kalatala, who was driving a Toyota Hiace minibus, made a right-hand turn
into the path of an oncoming Nissan AD Van near the 192-kilometre peg in
Nyazura.
The Nissan, driven by Linah Makufa, was carrying three
passengers at the time. The impact of the collision caused significant damage
to both vehicles and left several people injured. Mutukwa confirmed that all
three passengers — Estela Salina Sadombo and Lonah Madlayo among them —
sustained injuries and required medical treatment.
The Vehicle Inspection Department later assessed the
vehicles, reporting damage to the left front passenger door of the Toyota Hiace
and severe frontal damage to the Nissan van. These findings formed a key part
of the evidence against Kalatala, who had admitted fault.
The sudden collapse in court shocked officials and
observers. “It was a very distressing situation. One moment, the court was in
session; the next, there was a medical emergency. Our immediate priority was to
ensure he received care,” one court official said on condition of anonymity.
Authorities have now referred the matter for further
investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
0 Comments