Diplomatic Immunity Controversy: US Embassy Official Flees Zimbabwe After Running Over and Killing 11-Year-Old Girl

US Embassy Official Flees Zimbabwe After Running Over and Killing 11-Year-Old Girl

A US Embassy official, Eric Kimpton, is at the center of a diplomatic storm after running over and killing an 11-year-old Zimbabwean girl, Ruvarashe Takamhanya.

The incident occurred in Dema, a peri-urban area south of Harare, on June 3. Ruvarashe Takamhanya died instantly from the impact of the speeding vehicle.

Kimpton, the US Embassy Second Secretary, reportedly fled the country less than 24 hours after the accident.

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Diplomatic Immunity and Departure

According to the Herald, Kimpton, invoked diplomatic immunity, left Zimbabwe with his family, citing trauma and the need for counseling services.

In his warned and cautioned statement, he had informed the police that he would return to Zimbabwe after two weeks. He is yet to return.

Police Confirm Accident

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident and the lack of progress in the case.

“The police who attended the scene were told that he needed a period to rest, but were told later he was no longer in the country. The documentation process hasn’t been completed and the matter is still before the police because we could not proceed with the formalities in his absence. It appears he is no longer coming back to Zimbabwe,” Nyathi said.

The police have since opened a docket against Kimpton after he failed to present himself for questioning.

Government Response

George Charamba, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), expressed Zimbabwe’s outrage at the situation.

“No one, from whichever country or continent, is allowed to spill innocent Zimbabwean blood and get away with it. The behavior of diplomats must be consistent with the dignity of their profession but also with the expectations of the Vienna Convention,” Charamba stated.

George Charamba emphasized that Zimbabwe will use all available means to ensure justice is served.

“When a diplomat is involved in a fatal traffic accident, uses the pretext of counseling, which he thinks is only available in his country, and then decides to stay away from the police, he or she moves from being a diplomat to a fugitive and there are adequate instruments which Zimbabwe can summon to bring that diplomat to account. We will do precisely that,” he declared

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