Tapiwa Kanembiriri (39) and Samson Makaripe (40) parents of the late Tinotenda Regina Chikumbu were left devasted after their daughter’s killer was sentenced to community service. 11-year-old Tinotenda and another passenger only identified as Shumba died on the spot in February this year when the kombi they were in was involved in a head-on collision fleeing from the police.
The commuter omnibus driver Farasi Masawu, 32, was convicted of culpable homicide after a full trial despite pleading not guilty. However, Harare Magistrate Ruramai Chitumbura sentenced Masawu to 18 months’ imprisonment of which 6 months were suspended for five years on good behaviour.A further 12 months were suspended on condition that he performs 420 hours of community service. He was also barred from driving for two years.
Tino’s parents believe that there was colusion between the judicial officers and Masawu as the later is alleged to have bragged that he would never spend a day in prison.
Said Samson, Tinotenda’s father:
Again, this case took too long to be finalised. The prosecutor who handled the case was evasive … I had to push for this day to come.
I had to approach even the area prosecutor so that our case could be heard as it was postponed several at State’s instance.”
..he bragged that we would never to see justice.
He said our feet would become swollen by walking to court and his words have just been confirmed.
The family is trying to lodge a complaint against the magistrate.
More: New Zimbabwe
Endai chipinge muwane justice
I hope this kombi driver pays heavy. May The Lord smite and strike this evil kombi driver, the people who were paid to keep this devil out of prison and all their families. This is disgusting. Parents lost their child and this devil brags about killing a child. God punish this kombi driver afe achidyiwa nembwa vese nevakamuburitsa nyaya iyi. My heart bleeds. Zimbabwe the base of corruption.