Driver loses ear in fight over passengers

A Kukura Kurerwa bus conductor bit off an Inter Africa Bus driver's ear in a fight over passengers. The two ply the Gweru-Zvishavane route. 

Passengers getting into a Kukura Kurerwa bus. Photo: Photographers Direct.com

David Nyan'ara, 45, of Chikwikwi village under chief Watangwa in Chivi, appeared before Zvishavane magistrate Story Rushambwa who convicted him on his own plea of guilty to assault. Rushambwa sentenced him to 12 months in jail. Four months were suspended for three years on condition of good behaviour and Nyan'ara will serve an effective eight months in prison. 

Michael Madokufamba, 45, got caught in the crossfire when he tried to separate Nyan'ara from another conductor Peter Mutambiranwa. The two conductors were exchanging blows while bemused travellers looked on.

 Nyan'ara sank his teeth into Madokufamba's ear and tore off a chunk.

 For the state Ausa Sayid told the court that on November 18 at an unidentified bus stop, but along the Gweru-Zvishavane highway Nyan'ara had a misunderstanding with a Inter Africa Bus Company conductor over passengers who were at the bus stop. 

The court heard that things got out of hand between the two conductors and they started fighting. Sayid said the complainant while trying to stop the two from fighting got his left ear bitten off by Nyan'ara who could not control his anger. 

The court heard that the complainant was taken to hospital and had the ear sewn up. A report was then made to the police resulting in Nyan'ara's arrest. - Chronicle