Kombi Driver Allegedly Killed A Zanu PF Supporter After Ferrying Him From Harare Airport To Welcome Mugabe

A Kombi driver allegedly killed a Zanu PF youth league member after ferrying him from Harare International Airport, where he had gone with others to welcome President Robert Mugabe.

Costa Gono, who is out on bail, appeared before Harare magistrate Fadzai Mtombeni yesterday facing culpable homicide charges.

Gono denied the allegations, while arguing that the deceased, Tapiwa Chibvunze of Waterfalls, caused his own death.
The incident allegedly occurred on February 4 this year.

According to prosecutor Ressy Nyamombe, Gono was hired to ferry Zanu PF supporters to Harare International Airport and back to Waterfalls.

The supporters wanted to welcome Mugabe on his return from Japan.

Gono transported the supporters to the airport and back to the spot where he had picked them.

The court heard the supporters wanted to be taken to Chigwende shopping centre in Ushewokunze, resulting in a feud between the kombi driver, his conductor and the Zanu PF supporters.

The conductor, Talent Nyamande, then fled, leaving Gono being mobbed by the supporters.

Charges against Nyamande were withdrawn before plea.

Gono allegedly sped off while dragging the now deceased and another supporter, who was hanging from his mirror.

Nyamombe said the accused failed to stop despite realising that his actions could cause the death of the two supporters, who were still hanging precariously onto the kombi.

Chibvunze fell off the tarmac and sustained severe head injuries and bled profusely.

The first State witness, Paul Marimira, told court that Gono and his driver actually pushed the now-deceased off the car.

He died before admission at Harare Central Hospital. Gono’s trial continues tomorrow. source-newsday