1-Year-Old Run Over By Neighbour While Crawling After Mother, Driver Arrested

Driver Arrested After 1-Year-Old Crawls Under Car And Is Run Over

A one-year-old toddler was run over by a neighbour’s vehicle while crawling after her mother in Mutare’s Hobhouse suburb, leading to the arrest of the driver who now faces culpable homicide charges.

The tragic incident occurred on 2 March 2026, when the toddler reportedly crawled underneath a parked vehicle without the driver noticing. The vehicle later moved off, running over the child.

The toddler, Munashe Maveneka (1), later died from the injuries she sustained in the accident.

Toddler Crawled Under Parked Vehicle

Police confirmed that the accident happened while the driver had briefly stopped his vehicle and stepped out to speak with a friend.

Introducing the details of the incident, Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka explained how the accident unfolded.

“I can confirm a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on March 2, in Hobhouse suburb, Mutare, where a one-year-four-month-old toddler died after being run over by a vehicle,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

The driver has been identified as Simon Tatira (25), who lives in the same suburb as the child’s family.

According to the police, Tatira had parked his Honda Fit by the roadside for a few minutes.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the toddler left her home while following her mother.

“The driver, Simon Tatira (25), of Hobhouse suburb, was driving a Honda Fit along an unnamed road in the suburb with no passengers on board.”

“He had stopped his vehicle by the roadside for about five minutes while speaking to a friend. At that moment, the toddler crawled from her place of residence following her mother who had gone to a neighbour’s house and ended up underneath the parked vehicle without the driver’s knowledge.”

Driver Drove Off Without Realising

Police said the driver was unaware that the child had crawled underneath the vehicle.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka explained that the accident happened when Tatira drove away.

“As he moved the vehicle, the left rear wheel ran over the toddler.”

“The driver immediately stopped after realising that he had run over something.”

After stopping the vehicle, Tatira reportedly discovered the toddler lying motionless on the ground.

Authorities said the matter was immediately reported to police.

Police Open Culpable Homicide Case

Police officers from the Mutare Traffic section attended the scene soon after the report.

The toddler was rushed to St Joseph’s Mission Hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka confirmed that a criminal case has since been opened.

“Police have opened a culpable homicide case against the driver as investigations continue.”

Authorities also confirmed that the vehicle involved in the accident was taken to the Vehicle Examination Department in Mutare for inspection.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged motorists to remain cautious in residential areas where children may be present.

“We urge motorists to always check around their vehicles before driving off, especially in residential areas where children are present.”

“Small children can easily move around unnoticed and such tragic incidents can occur.”

He also urged parents and guardians to closely supervise toddlers.

“Parents and guardians should make sure that young children are not left unattended near roads or parked vehicles as this can easily result in fatal accidents.”

Police investigations into the incident are continuing.