High Court Orders Review Of Chillmaster’s Culpable Homicide Sentence

Musician Kudakwashe Gift Hombarume’s culpable homicide case has taken a new twist after the High Court ordered the Mbare Magistrates Court to reopen the case, citing flaws in the original sentence.

Hombarume, known as Chillmaster, will now return to court within 30 days so that his level of culpability in the fatal crash can be reassessed.

In May, the 24-year-old was fined US$200 for driving without a licence and sentenced to two years in jail for culpable homicide.

One year was suspended for good behaviour, and the other on condition that he completes 420 hours of community service at Stoneridge Primary School.

However, Judge President Mary Zimba-Dube reviewed the case and found the magistrate had not properly examined how negligent Hombarume had been, describing the assessment as lacking.

The accident happened on 9 April 2025, when Hombarume, who was unlicensed, lost control of his vehicle on New Chitungwiza Road and fatally struck pedestrian Custon Charumbira.

He admitted speeding, failing to control the vehicle, and not keeping a proper lookout.

While Justice Dube upheld his conviction, she said the sentence did not meet the requirements of “real and substantial justice” and criticised the lower court for not considering whether Hombarume should be banned from driving, as is legally required in fatal crashes. Said Justice Dube:

“The aggravating features of this case do not justify community service.

“The accused’s manner of driving exhibited gross negligence, and the offence was committed in aggravating circumstances.

“Courts must send a strong warning to offenders who drive without licences resulting in fatalities.”

The review found that Hombarume was unlicensed, speeding at 80 to 100 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, and only stopped 67 metres after hitting the victim.

The High Court said the magistrate failed to fully consider how serious these factors were and focused too much on Hombarume’s efforts to help the victim’s family, his remorse, and their wish for him to avoid jail.

The sentence seemed to have been largely influenced by the victim’s family, who spoke in support of Chillmaster.

They told the court he had promised to look after them after the accident and had even given livestock to appease the avenging spirit.

However, Justice Dube said these gestures could not take priority over the seriousness of the offence. Said the Judge:

“A victim impact statement cannot trump the interests of justice. While the accused rendered substantial assistance to the family of the deceased, courts should not allow offenders to buy their way out of custodial sentences.”

Justice Dube instructed the trial magistrate to review how careless Hombarume was, consider banning him from driving, and re-evaluate the sentence according to the law.

More: The Herald