Outrage As Unlicensed Driver Walks Away With Community Service After Killing 1, Injuring 4 In Hit and Run Accident
A 20-year-old man from Chinhoyi has been spared jail time after causing a horrific hit-and-run accident that left one pedestrian dead and four others injured. Despite driving an unroadworthy vehicle without a licence and fleeing the scene, he was sentenced to a mere 360 hours of community service—a decision that has sparked widespread national outrage.
The accident occurred in the early hours of 17 November 2024, just outside Chinhoyi’s Central Business District, along the Chegutu-Chinhoyi Road. According to a bulletin from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the young man was driving a Honda Fit towards town at approximately 0400 hours when he ploughed into five pedestrians walking in the same direction.
A fatal crash and a shocking escape
One of the pedestrians succumbed to severe head injuries shortly after being admitted to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital. The other four sustained a variety of injuries. What shocked many was not just the scale of the carnage, but the fact that the driver fled the scene and was only caught later.
It was subsequently revealed in court that he had no valid driver’s licence and was operating an unroadworthy vehicle at the time of the crash. The authorities also noted multiple instances of reckless behaviour, including:
“Failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to keep the vehicle under control, and wantonly driving an unroadworthy motor vehicle,”
— NPA Bulletin, 24 June 2025
Yet, despite these aggravating factors, the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court sentenced him to just 24 months’ imprisonment, with six months suspended for three years. The remaining 18 months were also suspended, on condition that he completes 360 hours of community service—a sentence some have described as a “slap on the wrist”.
“Justice has not been served”
The court’s decision has left many Zimbabweans in disbelief, with social media erupting in frustration and sadness. Users across the country condemned the ruling, asking whether the courts still take human life seriously.
“Community service for killing a man. Life is not valued in this place,”
— @tino_chinyoka1
“Five people, one dead, four injured. Driving without a licence. Fled the scene. The sentence is 360 hrs of community service. Do we still hold life as sacred?”
— @Logan67188064
Others compared the lenient sentence to harsh punishments meted out for lesser offences:
“Someone who stole $5 got 4 years in jail. This guy killed someone, fled, had no licence and still walks free. Make it make sense,”
— @Masitholee1
Another user wrote:
“Vana vatove nherera just like that (The children are now orphans just like that),”
— @KingLibertyZim
The sense of injustice was palpable. Legal experts and citizens alike are questioning how the courts can justify such leniency in a case involving death, multiple injuries, and blatant disregard for traffic laws.
Pattern of leniency in fatal crashes
This case is not isolated. Just weeks ago, Zimdancehall musician Chillmaster, born Gift Hombarume, was convicted of culpable homicide after fatally hitting 50-year-old Custon Charumbira while driving unlicensed. Like the Chinhoyi driver, Chillmaster received a suspended two-year sentence and was ordered to do community service. He also paid funeral expenses and pledged to support the victim’s children.
Despite the gravity of these incidents, the courts appear to be prioritising restitution and remorse over incarceration. Critics argue that this undermines the law’s deterrent effect.
“This proves that driving without a licence is not much of a big deal in Zimbabwe. It’s pathetic,”
— @BaBrayden2
Another user asked:
“So now you only get sentenced for the death you caused. UNLICENSED DRIVER. NO PENALTY???”
— @locust2263
The reaction reveals a deepening public concern that the justice system is not treating road deaths with the seriousness they deserve—especially when the driver is young, remorseful, or has resources to offer compensation.
Where is the justice?
In a country where thousands lose loved ones to road accidents each year, many feel that the courts are sending the wrong message. The fear is that this judgement could embolden other unlicensed or reckless drivers who now believe they can avoid prison if they apologise or pay compensation after the fact.
Even though the offender was a first-time culprit, his conduct—driving illegally, hitting five pedestrians, killing one, and then fleeing—shocked the conscience of a nation. The court’s sentence, however, did not seem to reflect the gravity of his actions.
What remains unanswered is: what value is being placed on a human life in Zimbabwe today?
If a young pedestrian’s death, four injured victims, and a fleeing, unlicensed driver all culminate in 360 hours of unpaid work, then the justice system may be in need of urgent reform.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post 1 Dead, 4 Injured: Reckless Driver Walks Away With Community Service After Hit-And-Run Horror Accident appeared first on iHarare News.
