Zimbabwean Celebrities Who Killed Pedestrians & Walked Free
Zimbabweans are once again asking tough questions after popular musician Chillmaster pleaded not guilty to charges of culpable homicide and driving without a licence, following a fatal road accident that claimed the life of 50-year-old Caston Charambira. His case joins a long list of high-profile figures — from political royalty to music stars and business moguls — who have walked away from deadly accidents with little or no jail time.
Below, we look at three such cases.
Chillmaster — The rising musician facing trial
The musician was driving with three passengers from Stoneridge towards town when he struck Charambira, who was walking along the roadside. Charambira reportedly died on the spot from head injuries and broken legs.
In court, Chillmaster pleaded not guilty to both culpable homicide and driving without a licence. The State, represented by Prosecutor Idrissa Mustapha Mupandasekwa, requested that the musician present his driver’s licence.
“If the accused produces a licence, we are prepared to withdraw the charge,” said the prosecutor, as quoted by H-Metro.
Chillmaster’s legal team, however, refused to hand over the licence or accept a statement of agreed facts.
“They are pushing for a full trial,” the publication reported.
The trial is set to begin soon, with the public watching closely.
Russell Goreraza — Grace Mugabe’s son
Russell Goreraza, son of former First Lady Grace Mugabe and ex-Air Force intelligence officer Stanley Goreraza, was convicted of culpable homicide in 2015. He knocked down an unidentified pedestrian on Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, in February that year.
The 31-year-old reportedly pleaded guilty and apologised in court.
“I am sorry for the death of the pedestrian,” Goreraza said in court, according to VOA Zimbabwe.
Magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe fined him US$800 or two months in prison, citing his clean record and that he was caring for a minor child.
Moses Chingwena — Business mogul and Croco Motors owner
In 2021, Moses Chingwena, founder of Croco Motors and one of Zimbabwe’s wealthiest businessmen, fatally hit Shepherd Mukatira in Gletwin, Harare, while driving a Jaguar XJL.
He pleaded guilty on a plea bargain and was convicted of culpable homicide and negligent driving.
Magistrate Barbara Mateko fined him ZWL$60,000 or four months in jail. His licence was also endorsed. The court heard he was speeding at night and failed to see the pedestrian, who was not wearing reflective clothing.
“The accused helped the deceased and showed remorse by paying funeral expenses,” the magistrate said, noting Chingwena paid US$4,000 and 10 cows to the victim’s family.
Despite the death, the court ruled there were no aggravating circumstances.
Dudu Manhenga — Songbird jailed for killing motorcyclist, but freed early
Afro-jazz singer Dudu Manhenga was convicted in 2014 after she killed motorcyclist Graham Millward while driving without a valid licence in 2010.
However, she appealed the sentence and the High Court later suspended it.
“The negligence was not gross,” ruled Justices Francis Bere and Charles Hungwe.
She had hit Graham Millward on Sherwood Drive in 2010 while attempting a right turn into a driveway.
Her lawyer Evans Moyo argued:
“The court incorrectly concluded she was grossly negligent.”
Dudu was ordered to pay a US$1,000 fine instead or serve three months if she failed.
Public reaction
The Chillmaster case has reopened old wounds. Social media is filled with strong opinions:
@Moyo Mturikwa:
“We need justice. Failure to produce a driver’s licence is an offence.”
@Dexterity Mazango:
“Why not guilty after killing someone? Whether by mistake or not, it’s still guilty.”
As Chillmaster’s trial unfolds, many wonder: Will he walk free like those before him?
What do you think? Should Zimbabwe reform its sentencing for culpable homicide?
Comment below!
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The post From Grace Mugabe’s Son to Dudu Manhenga: Zimbabwean Celebrities Who Killed Pedestrians & Walked Free appeared first on iHarare News.
