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.