Story by Fungai Jachi
CONTEMPORARY musician Gift Hombarume affectionately known as Chillmaster who ran over a pedestrian, killing him on the spot while driving without a license has been spared jail after being ordered to perform 420 hours of community service following his conviction for culpable homicide.
He was also fined US$200 for driving without a license.
Chillmaster also undertook to take care of the family of the man he ran over saying he will pay cattle to avoid avenging spirits, he will send the deceased’s children to school and also to buy monthly groceries.
In handing down the sentence Mbare magistrate Tatenda Mukurunge said a custodial sentence will be too harsh for him since he has undertaken to send Charambira ’s children to school till they finish.
She also said sentencing him to a fine as the family’s wish will trivialise the offence hence there is a need to send a message to would-be offenders that crime does not pay.
Chillmaster was also sentenced to 24 months imprisonment for culpable homicide, with the 12 months were suspended on condition of good behaviour for the next five years,
While the remaining 12 were suspended on condition that he perform 420 hours of community service at Stoneridge Primary school.
During the victim impact statement, the family pleaded with the court not to give a custodial sentence saying they forgave him.
They said they think their relative was stressed when the accident happened and he had a lot of problems at home so chances are high that he didn’t see that there was a car encroaching when he was hit.
The court was told that Hombarume helped the family with everything during the funeral by buying the coffin , food and providing transport to Zaka for mourners.
The State led by prosecutor Idrissah Mupandasekwa proved that on April 9 2025 at around 1215 hours along New Chitungwiza road near Energy Park Service Station, Hombarume was driving his car with three passengers on-board.
Upon reaching a certain point opposite Energy Park Service Station, a certain cyclist turned in front of Hombarume’s car and he then swerved to his left side trying to avoid the cyclist.
He went on to hit Chirambira who was walking on the left side of the road towards Masteps and he died on the spot after he sustained broken legs and severe head injuries as a result of the accident.
