Cycle Zambia: court report and statement

Court report 8^th May 2019

Today at the Livingstone High Court in Zambia, Gift Mayoba, aged 30, from Kalomo, Southern Province, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

The case related to the death of Transaid supporter, Jayne Gray, who was cycling in Zambia as part of our group fundraising challenge.

Judge Kenneth Mulife said he took into consideration the fact that Mayoba was an unlicensed driver, and that his actions had also caused life-changing injuries to a medical support team member.

Sentencing Mayoba to serve 36 months in full, the Judge said he hoped the custodial sentence will send a strong message to others.

Transaid Chief Executive Caroline Barber, who was in court today, said: “As an organisation dedicated to improving road safety in Africa, what happened last September was the cruellest blow.

“The outcome of this court case is significant as it brings an element of closure for Jayne’s loved ones, and for our support team member who was seriously injured.

“While no sentence could ever compensate for the loss of Jayne, or the injuries sustained by our colleague, we welcome the comments from the Judge and the view he has taken.”

She added: “We would like to again thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support we have received over the past eight months, and politely request continued privacy for Jayne’s family and friends.”