Court Overturns Chillmaster’s Sentence, Bans Driving

Musician Kudakwashe Hombarume, widely known as Chillmaster, has been prohibited from driving for nine months after the High Court reversed a previous controversial decision that had spared him jail time following a fatal car accident.

The 24-year-old singer, who was driving without a license, admitted to speeding at 100 km/h in a 60 km/h zone when his Honda Shuttle struck and killed 46-year-old Custon Charumbira in April.

Initially, Mbare Magistrate Tatenda Mukurunge sentenced Hombarume to community service after he compensated the victim’s family and covered funeral costs. However, the High Court condemned this decision, calling it “outrageous.”

Justice Mary Zimba Dube stated:

“This case reveals a serious violation of road safety laws. The facts demonstrate gross negligence, not mere ordinary negligence.”

She further emphasized that a victim’s impact statement should not override the principles of justice, warning that courts should not permit offenders to evade custodial sentences simply by offering financial compensation.

Highlighting the sharp increase in road fatalities in Zimbabwe, Justice Dube underlined the judiciary’s responsibility to send a strong deterrent message to unlicensed drivers whose actions lead to loss of life.

The case was sent back to Magistrate Mukurunge, who then imposed a revised sentence — a nine-month driving ban, which the High Court identified as the minimum appropriate penalty.

Justice Dube remarked:

“Given the aggravating circumstances, community service is inadequate. Such leniency diminishes the seriousness of culpable homicide in road traffic accidents.”