Zimbabwean artist Gift Hombarume, popularly known as Chillimaster, was sentenced this week for causing the death of Custon Charumbira in a car accident that happened on April 9 along New Chitungwiza Road.
The Mbare Magistrates Court heard that Hombarume, who did not have a driver’s licence, hit Charumbira with his car, leading to his death. He was convicted of culpable homicide and driving without a licence.
Magistrate Tatenda Mukurunge fined him US$200 for driving without a licence. For the culpable homicide charge, he was sentenced to two years in prison. However, 12 months of the sentence were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
The court took into account that Hombarume was a first-time offender and had shown remorse.
The victim’s family also spoke in his favour. Lucia Charumbira, a family representative, told the court they had forgiven Hombarume. She said he had supported the family during the funeral and promised to take care of Charumbira’s children.
“The family through Lucia Charumbira said he has undertaken to pay some beasts to avoid avenging spirits. He also undertook to send the deceased’s children to school and also to buy monthly groceries,” the magistrate said.
Hombarume pledged to pay school fees for the late Charumbira’s children until they finish their education.
