The High Court is scheduled to conduct a review of the criminal case involving Zimdancehall artiste Chillmaster, whose real name is Gift Hombarume.
Hombarume was recently sentenced to undertake community service following his conviction for culpable homicide, a charge stemming from his involvement in the death of a pedestrian whilst operating a vehicle without a valid driving licence.
The review proceedings will be presided over by Judge President Mary Zimba-Dube.
The incident occurred on April 9th, when Hombarume, driving a vehicle without the requisite licence, struck and fatally injured Custon Charumbira, aged 50, along New Chitungwiza Road.
Following the initial trial, Magistrate Tatenda Mukurunge sentenced Hombarume to a two-year custodial term for culpable homicide.
However, one year of this sentence was subsequently suspended on the condition that Hombarume completes community service at Stoneridge Primary School.
The remaining year of the sentence was also suspended, contingent upon the singer refraining from committing a similar offence within a five-year period.
For the offence of driving without a licence, Hombarume was issued a fine of US$200.
Judge President Zimba-Dube’s remit for this review will be to ascertain whether the fundamental principles of fairness and accountability were duly observed during the initial legal process.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased, Charumbira, has demonstrated remarkable compassion and forgiveness towards Hombarume despite their profound loss.
In their victim impact statement, they articulated their decision to forgive him, citing his evident remorse and concerted efforts to offer restitution.
Lucia Charumbira, speaking on behalf of the family, disclosed that Hombarume had provided support to the family throughout their period of bereavement.
It has been reported that Hombarume contributed towards funeral expenses and also committed to upholding cultural traditions by offering cattle as compensation for the loss of Custon Charumbira’s life.
Furthermore, he has undertaken to cover school fees and provide monthly groceries for Charumbira’s children until they complete their education.
Magistrate Mukurunge, in delivering her sentence, acknowledged these considerable efforts, alongside Hombarume’s status as a first-time offender and the contrition he exhibited.
More: The Herald
What does the law say on some one who has driven a car without a valid licence and killed someone ?