A kombi driver, who was allegedly involved in the Dzivaresekwa accident that killed eight people, has been remanded in custody by Mbare magistrate Batsirai Madzingira after the State opposed bail.
The driver, Gaylord Hunda (27), is facing charges of culpable homicide and is being represented by Stanley Matandadzi.
Hunda is expected to return to court on Tuesday for a ruling on his bail application.
The State alleges that on March 19, 2024, along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway, Hunda was driving a Toyota Hiace omnibus en route to the city centre.
Hunda allegedly failed to yield to oncoming traffic from the right at an intersection on the highway.
In an attempt to avoid an accident, Hunda swerved to the left side of the road, where he collided with a truck that was parked on the roadside.
He also allegedly struck a person who was standing near the road.
The kombi Hunda was driving was subsequently hit by another truck coming from the right side, resulting in the deaths of eight people.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200039965/dzivarasekwa-accident-kombi-driver-in-court">NewsDay</a>

Pindula News

A man driving a van in Zimbabwe caused a crash that killed 8 people. He is in trouble with the law now because of the accident. The driver is accused of not driving safely and causing the crash on a highway. He is facing charges for the deaths of the people in the accident. The court will decide if he can be released on bail. The man will go back to court soon. The accident happened because he did not follow the rules of the road. The man hit a parked truck and a person, which led to the deaths of 8 people.

Dzivarasekwa Accident Kombi Driver Faces Culpable Homicide Charges

A magistrate employed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) was recently fined US$400 or sentenced to five months in prison for culpable homicide following a fatal road accident.
The court heard that on 22 November 2023, the magistrate, Makunde Timeon Tavengwa, 46, was driving a Nissan X-Trail along the Harare-Masvingo Road when he struck Misheck Makuvire, a school pupil crossing the road.
The child died on the spot from head injuries.
Investigations revealed that the accident occurred in broad daylight on a wide, tarred road.
The court ruled that Tavengwa was negligent, as he failed to keep a proper lookout and was speeding.

A magistrate was fined $400 for causing a deadly accident that killed a schoolboy. The magistrate, Makunde Timeon Tavengwa, hit the boy while driving along a road. The boy died instantly from head injuries. The accident happened during the day on a wide road. The court found Tavengwa guilty of negligence for not paying attention and speeding.

Magistrate Fined US$400 For Speeding And Negligence After Accident Claims Schoolboy's Life

John Manyere (62), a loss control officer employed by Tongaat Huletts, appeared before the Chiredzi Magistrates’ Court on a charge of culpable homicide.
On 4 August 2024, Manyere was driving a white Toyota Land Cruiser along the Ngundu-Tanganda road with five passengers on board.
As he approached the 84km peg, he attempted to overtake a haulage truck. However, he lost control of the vehicle, swerved into the right lane, and veered off the road, plunging into a water canal.
One of the passengers was swept away, and her body was later recovered at Siphon 14, Buffalo Range. Manyere and the other passengers sustained injuries.
The court found that Manyere was negligent in several ways. He was driving at a speed that was excessive given the circumstances, failed to act reasonably when the accident seemed imminent, ignored a lawfully erected warning traffic sign, did not keep the vehicle under proper control, and failed to exercise the high degree of care required when overtaking.
Manyere was sentenced to an effective two years in prison and prohibited from driving for two years.

John Manyere was driving a car for Tongaat Huletts. He had a crash that killed someone, and he was charged with a crime called culpable homicide. He tried to overtake a truck but lost control and crashed into a canal. The court said he was careless and did not follow the rules of the road. He was sentenced to two years in prison and can't drive for two years. It's important to drive safely and follow the rules to avoid accidents and hurting others.

Tongaat Huletts Official Sentenced To Two Years After Passenger Dies In High-Speed Crash

A 60-year-old Gokwe man died after being run over by a vehicle while sleeping on the road at the 55km peg along Gokwe-Sengwa Road on Monday night.
Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson for Midlands Province, confirmed the incident to <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/gokwe-man-ran-over-whilst-sleeping-on-the-road/">The Mirror</a>. It occurred around 9 PM.
Mahoko said the man, identified as Vandira, was struck by a Nissan Caravan driven by Ropafadzo Magwati, 25, from Mapfungautsi, Gokwe.
It is unclear whether Vandira was mentally challenged or intoxicated at the time of the accident. Said Mahoko:
<blockquote>
Circumstances are that, Ropafadzo Magwati was driving from Gokwe to Sengwa. Upon reaching the 55km peg, he saw a person lying down on the road.
Magwati failed to stop the motor vehicle and ran over Vandira who died on the spot after sustaining serious head and lower limb injuries. The body was taken to Gokwe South District Hospital mortuary.
We appeal to motorists to avoid speeding and to exercise maximum caution when driving.
</blockquote>

A 60-year-old man in Gokwe died after a car ran over him while he was sleeping on the road. The incident happened at night around 9 PM. The driver of the vehicle, a 25-year-old man, failed to stop in time and hit the man, causing him to die from serious injuries. It is not clear if the man was drunk or had mental issues. The police are reminding drivers to drive carefully and avoid speeding to prevent accidents like this from happening.

Man (60) Dies After Being Run Over By A Kombi While Sleeping On Gokwe-Sengwa Road

A Bulawayo farmer is facing a culpable homicide charge after accidentally running over an eight-month-old infant with his vehicle.
The tragic accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a Glengarry plot when the farmer reversed his vehicle, striking Amathe Shumba who was sleeping on the grass nearby.
Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, acting spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Bulawayo Province, confirmed the incident.
The child, from a neighbouring plot, was left sleeping by her mother while the mother worked harvesting tomatoes. Said Msebele:
<blockquote>
Circumstances are that on January 7 at 1 PM, a male adult aged 52 years, who is a farmer, came and parked his vehicle at his plot, where he was harvesting tomatoes.
Amathe Shumba, from the neighbouring plot, was left by her mother sleeping on the grass approximately five metres from the vehicle as she was doing a piece job harvesting tomatoes at that plot.
</blockquote>
Msebele said the driver did not notice the baby who was sleeping, started his vehicle and then reversed, thereby running over the infant. She added:
<blockquote>
The infant sustained serious head injuries as well as bruises on the stomach and was taken to UBH [United Bulawayo Hospital], where she died upon admission.
</blockquote>
Police charged the farmer with culpable homicide, alleging he failed to maintain a proper lookout, resulting in the accidental death of the infant.
Culpable homicide is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought; it’s an unlawful killing without premeditation or intent to kill.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A farmer accidentally ran over a baby with his car, killing her. The baby was left sleeping by her mother while she worked. The farmer didn't see the baby, started his car, and ran over her. The baby had serious injuries and died in the hospital. The farmer was charged with culpable homicide for not being careful. Culpable homicide means accidentally killing someone without intending to. It's a very sad accident.

Driver Charged With Culpable Homicide After Infant Dies In Reversing Accident

The five girls from an extended family in Bindura, tragically killed by a speeding vehicle on Saturday, were given a State-assisted funeral and laid to rest at Makusha Cemetery on Monday, September 30.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/family-buries-five-girls/">The Herald</a>, the victims were Rachel Saidi (13), Makanaka Nemhara (9), Ashleigh Mabheka (13), Chipo Chikanda (13), and Misiyose Benjamin (14), while Ashleigh Mabheka (11) survived the incident.
The girls were walking along Mt. Darwin Road when they were struck from behind by a private vehicle driven by a soldier.
They had travelled just 400 meters from house number 252 Ray on Mt. Darwin Road, where they had gone to pick up Rachel.
Albert Mabheka, who lost his daughter, Ashleigh, and his second daughter, Ashel, is currently battling for her life at Bindura Hospital, said:
<blockquote>
From what I heard my two daughters, along with Chipo and Misiyose left the compound to visit their uncle’s daughter Rachel.
They wanted to shop for clothes in Bindura when they were run over by the vehicle. They were facing towards town with their backs to the vehicle when they were hit.
I cannot explain the pain that I am feeling and I don’t know how I will overcome this grief.
</blockquote>
Rachel’s father, Richard Saidi, explained that the girls did not see the car coming as they had their backs turned.
He said the girls often played together and visited one another frequently. On that tragic day, Rachel intended to buy supplies in Bindura town.
Saidi said the girls were walking on the right side of the road, facing the town, when the car approached from behind and veered off to the left.
The driver lost control and crossed onto the right side of the road, where the girls were walking.
As a widower, Saidi has been caring for Rachel since her mother passed away in 2004 when Rachel was just four years old.
He works as a truck driver, and Rachel looked after her siblings while he was away. Rachel and Makanaka Nemhara (9) lived in the same house along Mt. Darwin Road.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo, along with ZANU PF and government officials, visited the families to extend their condolences.
Meanwhile, 51-year-old Washington Timburwa, a member of the Zimbabwe National Army’s Two Brigade in Cranborne, Harare, has been charged with culpable homicide after his car struck and killed the girls.
Police reported that the incident occurred on Saturday just after 4 PM at the 90-kilometre peg along the Harare-Mukumbura Road.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Five young girls from Bindura were hit and killed by a speeding car while walking on the road. They were going to visit their friend when the accident happened. The girls were buried on Monday, and their families are heartbroken. One girl survived, but others did not see the car coming. The driver has been charged with causing the accident. The community and government officials visited the families to offer their support. The families are mourning the loss of the girls who were part of a close-knit community.

Five Bindura Girls Killed By Speeding Vehicle Buried

Masvingo Regional Magistrate Bishard Chineka has acquitted the Masvingo Provincial Hospital Medical Superintend Dr Noel Ralph Zulu who was facing a culpable homicide charge after leaving a 30cmx30cm gauze inside a patient’s stomach.
According to <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/dr-zulu-discharged/">The Mirror</a>, Dr Zulu was acquitted on Wednesday, 25 September, following an application for discharge at the end of the State case made by his lawyer Oliver Marwa last Wednesday.
Magistrate Chineka acquitted Zulu after Dr Godfrey Zimbwa who performed the post-mortem on Gladys Sibanda concluded that the cause of her death was liver cirrhosis.
The court also ruled that there was insufficient evidence to conclude that Sibanda’s death was caused by the gauze left in her abdomen in 2015.
Zulu was facing a culpable homicide charge as defined in Section 49 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
Prosecutors had alleged it was Zulu’s negligence that led to the death of the woman.
<div class="in_article">
<div>
Surgical gauze is a type of medical fabric used primarily for wound care and surgical procedures. It can be used to cover wounds, control bleeding, and provide a barrier to infection.
Allegations were that the gauze remained in Gladys Sibanda’s abdomen for eight years from the date of the surgical operation in October 2015 to July 15 2023 when she collapsed and died while coming from a ZANU PF rally in Zaka.
The court heard that the deceased complained of chest pains and swelling abdomen soon after the surgical procedure and went back to Zulu who demanded another fee to do a second surgical operation.
However, the deceased could not raise the amount until she passed on, alleges the State.
The gauze was discovered by Dr Zimbwa when he carried out a postmortem on the deceased on July 18, 2023, and noted that it had puss. Reads the State outline:
<blockquote>
The State will allege that the cause of the now deceased’s death was the retained surgical gauze/abdominal swab which was found lodged in the deceased’s abdomen.
The State further alleges that it was through the accused’s negligence that the surgical gauze was retained in the now deceased’s abdomen after the surgical operation by the accused.
The accused failed to exercise skill and duty of care required of a medical practitioner and surgeon in the manner he left the surgical gauze in the now deceased’s abdomen.
Sibanda died with a grossly distented abdomen, no external injuries, plus or minus five (5) litres of blood stained peritoneal fluid, significant amount of altered blood on omentum, a shrunken pale liver and retained abdominal swab with puss noted.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
</div>
</div>

A doctor named Dr Zulu was accused of causing a patient's death by leaving gauze in her stomach during surgery. But after investigation, the court decided that the patient actually died from a liver problem, not from the gauze. The doctor was acquitted (found not guilty) of the crime of causing the patient's death. The gauze was found after the patient died, and the doctor was accused of being negligent. The court ruled there was not enough evidence to blame the doctor for the death. The gauze was left inside the patient's stomach for eight years before it was discovered.

Masvingo Doctor Acquitted Of Culpable Homicide Charge After Botched Operation

The Masvingo Provincial Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Noel Ralph Zulu is accused of causing the death of a woman he operated on after he allegedly left a 30x30cm gauze in her abdomen.
As reported by <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/patient-dies-as-masvingo-doc-leaves-gauze-in-abdomen/">The Mirror</a>, Zulu who is the only surgeon in Masvingo, appeared before Regional Magistrate Bishard Chineka on Wednesday facing a culpable homicide charge as defined in Section 49 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
Prosecutors allege it is Zulu’s negligence that led to the death of the woman.
Surgical gauze is a type of medical fabric used primarily for wound care and surgical procedures. It can be used to cover wounds, control bleeding, and provide a barrier to infection.
It is alleged that the gauze remained in Gladys Sibanda’s abdomen for eight years from the date of the surgical operation in October 2015 to July 15 2023 when she collapsed and died while coming from a ZANU PF rally in Zaka.
Zulu is represented by Oliver Marwa of Tabana and Marwa legal practitioners while the State is represented by Mike Tembo.
The court heard that the deceased complained of chest pains and swelling abdomen soon after the surgical procedure and went back to Zulu who demanded another fee to do a second surgical operation.
However, the deceased could not raise the amount until she passed on, alleges the State.
The gauze was discovered by Dr Godfrey Zimbwa when he carried out a postmortem on the deceased on July 18, 2023, and noted that it had puss. Reads the State outline:
<blockquote>
The State will allege that the cause of the now deceased’s death was the retained surgical gauze/abdominal swab which was found lodged in the deceased’s abdomen.
The State further alleges that it was through the accused’s negligence that the surgical gauze was retained in the now deceased’s abdomen after the surgical operation by the accused.
The accused failed to exercise skill and duty of care required of a medical practitioner and surgeon in the manner he left the surgical gauze in the now deceased’s abdomen.
Sibanda died with a grossly distented abdomen, no external injuries, plus or minus five (5) litres of blood stained peritoneal fluid, significant amount of altered blood on omentum, a shrunken pale liver and retained abdominal swab with puss noted.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A doctor in Masvingo is accused of causing a woman's death by leaving a cloth in her belly after surgery. The doctor is being charged with a serious crime called culpable homicide. The cloth was found in the woman's stomach eight years after the surgery, and she died because of it. The doctor is said to have been careless and did not do his job properly. The woman complained of pain after the surgery, but the doctor asked for more money to fix the mistake. In the end, the woman couldn't afford the surgery and died.

Masvingo Doctor Faces Culpable Homicide Charge After Alleged Surgical Mistake

Promise Nzima, a member of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee (NWC) at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Zhombe, and his accomplice, Innocent Matongo, a duly attested member of the ZRP, were arraigned before the High Court in Gokwe on charges of culpable homicide.
On December 22, 2023, Nzima arrested the now-deceased person on assault charges and escorted him to ZRP Mkobogwe Base, where he assaulted him with a knobkerrie.
At 1 AM, Matongo arrived and further assaulted the handcuffed individual using a switch, knobkerrie, and open hands.
As a result of the assault, the victim sustained swollen legs, head scars, and a swollen left eye. He was referred to the hospital, where he died on December 30, 2023.
A post-mortem examination concluded that the cause of death was brain injury, brain contusion, and severe head trauma.
Both Nzima and Matongo were convicted and sentenced to eight years imprisonment each, with two years suspended.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A member of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee and a police officer in Zimbabwe were jailed for six years for killing a suspect. The suspect was assaulted with a knobkerrie and other objects, leading to his death. The victim had swollen legs, head scars, and a swollen eye. He died in the hospital due to brain injury and severe head trauma. Both the NWC member and police officer were sentenced to eight years in jail, with two years suspended.

NWC Member, Police Officer Jailed 6 Years For Fatally Assaulting Suspect

Two Chiredzi residents, Fambidzanai Zvabva (39) and Mafanele Garfield Hlomani (26), have appeared before the Chiredzi Magistrates’ Court on charges of culpable homicide following a tragic incident in which four people were killed due to an LPG cylinder fire and explosion.
According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Zvabva and Hlomani are accused of operating their LPG business without the necessary permits or licenses from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).
It is alleged that the accused persons’ gas cylinders developed a leak that caused a fire. As a result of this incident, five individuals sustained severe burns and required hospitalisation, with four of them ultimately succumbing to their injuries. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Allegations are that the accused persons were unlawfully selling Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). On the 9th of December 2023 the accused persons’ gas cylinders developed a leakage causing a fire.
As a result of the incident five people sustained deep burns and had to be hospitalised. Four of them died as a result of the injuries.
Investigations revealed that the accused persons established a gas cylinder cage and put up gas cylinders at their business premises without the requisite permits or licenses.
This operation, which commenced between 2022 and 2023, was conducted in violation of local regulations and safety standards.
The state alleges that the accused’s failure to adhere to these requirements created a significant risk of harm to the public.
Furthermore, the accused did not obtain the requisite permits or licenses from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), local authorities or other relevant authorities, as stipulated by law.
</blockquote>
The NPA said that the matter will return to court on the 4th of September 2024 for continuation of trial.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two people in Chiredzi were arrested because a gas cylinder exploded and killed four people. They were running a gas business without proper permits. The gas leaked and caused a fire. Five people got hurt, and four died. The accused didn't follow laws about safety and permits. They will go back to court in September 2024.

Two Chiredzi Residents Arrested After Gas Cylinder Explodes, Killing Four People

A police officer has been charged with culpable homicide following a fatal road traffic accident involving two commuter omnibuses at the intersection of Seke and St Patrick’s roads in Hatfield, Harare, last week.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/cop-faces-7-culpable-homicide-charges/">The Herald</a>, the cop, Sergeant James Makaranga, stationed at the Police Protection Unit at Tomlinson Depot in Harare, holds valid driver’s licenses for classes 4 and 5.
On August 13, around 6:45 AM, Makaranga was allegedly driving a Toyota Hiace Kombi with 15 passengers when he side-swiped a Mazda Bongo van carrying four passengers. This collision led to a head-on crash with a Nissan Caravan kombi that had 18 passengers on board.
The accident resulted in three immediate fatalities, with a total of 32 others injured. Tragically, four of the injured later died in hospital between August 16 and 18.
The three victims who died at the scene have been identified as Wayne Chipuriro (42), Pecking Feliati (40), and Christable Makwanya (32).
Lucky Gwangwanza (age not provided), Andrew Chikwanda (38), Tafadzwa Sibanda (29), and Michael Manyanga (49) succumbed to their injuries after being admitted to Chitungwiza Central Hospital and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A police officer called Sergeant James Makaranga faces seven charges of causing death in a car accident on Seke Road. He was driving a bus and crashed into other vehicles, leading to deaths and injuries. The accident happened in Harare, Zimbabwe, and caused a total of seven deaths. The officer had valid driver's licenses but still caused a tragic accident. Now, he is being held responsible for the lives lost in the crash.

Policeman Faces 7 Culpable Homicide Charges Over Seke Road Accident

A police officer stationed at the Police Protection Unit and living in Chitungwiza is being charged for culpable homicide after a reported three people were killed. At the same time, 31 passengers were injured when a kombi he was driving was involved in a road traffic accident.
According to H-Metro, Sergeant James Makaranga (37), was driving a kombi which encroached onto an oncoming traffic lane and collided head-on with another kombi along Seke Road in Harare on Tuesday morning.
The police officer had 15 passengers when his Toyota Hiace collided head-on with a Nissan Caravan driven by Tashinga Chihava, 22, with 18 passengers on board.
It is alleged that the two kombi drivers failed to produce their driver’s licences at 06:45 AM when traffic police officers attended the scene.
Sgt Makaranga overtook a Mazda Bongo Van turning from St Patrick’s Road into Seke Road, encroached 
into the oncoming traffic lane and collided with Tashinga’s Toyota Hiace.
Two passengers Wayne Chipuriro aged 42 and Pecking Feliati aged 40 died, while one of the passengers died upon admission at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.
The vehicles were towed to ZRP Hatfield Traffic for inspection by the Vehicle Examination Department.
The spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Harare Province, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the accident. He said:
<blockquote>
Police confirm the death of three people and injury of 31 passengers in a road traffic accident along Seke Road.
Among the injured, 17 were rushed to Chitungwiza Hospital, 10 at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and 8 at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Investigations are continuing.
</blockquote>
Culpable homicide is a criminal offence that involves the unintentional killing of another person.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A police officer named Sgt. James Makaranga is facing charges for a car accident that killed three people and injured 31 others. He was driving a kombi on Seke Road in Harare when it collided with another vehicle. Two passengers died at the scene, and one died at the hospital. The police officer and the other driver did not have their licenses with them. The vehicles were taken for inspection, and the injured were taken to different hospitals. The police are investigating the accident, and Sgt. Makaranga is charged with culpable homicide, which is accidentally causing someone's death.

Police Officer Faces Culpable Homicide Charges Over Seke Road Accident

The Mutare Magistrates’ Court has sentenced 20-year-old Obriel Chivanda to 210 hours of community service after he was found guilty of culpable homicide in the death of a toddler.
The court established that on May 24, 2024, around 8:30 AM, Chivanda was driving a Nissan Xtrail from his home in Penhalonga when he struck and killed a baby who was crawling on the road.
The magistrate determined Chivanda was negligent, failing to keep a proper lookout and not taking reasonable actions to avoid the collision.
In addition to the community service sentence, Chivanda was banned from driving for two months.
He was also given a 14-month jail term, with 8 months suspended for 5 years and the remaining 6 months suspended on the condition he completes the community service.
Culpable homicide is a legal term that refers to a homicide (the killing of a human being) that is considered blameworthy or negligent, but not necessarily intentional. The key distinctions of culpable homicide are:
<ul>
<li>It involves the death of a person, but without the intent to kill that is required for murder.</li>
<li>The person’s actions that led to the death were negligent, reckless or showed a disregard for human life, making them culpable or blameworthy.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Motorist Sentenced To Community Service For Running Over A Crawling Baby

The driver of a haulage truck, who on June 25, 2024, jumped a stop sign at the intersection of Masvingo-Mbalabala and Tokwe-Mhandamhambwe Roads, resulting in a fatal crash is now facing culpable homicide charges.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/truck-driver-faces-culpable-homicide-charges/">The Herald</a> that investigations were in progress.
According to police, the crash took place on June 25 around 3:30 PM at the 55-kilometre peg on the Masvingo-Mbalalabala Road highway.
A Nissan Note vehicle carrying five passengers collided with a Freightliner truck at the intersection of the Masvingo-Mbalabala Road and the Tokwe-Mhandamhambwe Road.
The truck driver reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign, causing the tragic collision. The ZRP said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 55 kilometre along Masvingo-Mbalalabala Road on 25/06/24 at around 1530 hours. Four people were killed whilst two others were injured when a Nissan Note vehicle with five passengers on board rammed into a Freightliner Truck after the truck driver failed to obey a stop sign at the intersection of Masvingo-Mbalabala Road and Tokwe-Mhandamhambwe Road.
</blockquote>
Culpable homicide is a legal term that refers to the unlawful killing of a human being. The term “culpable” implies that the act was committed with some degree of fault or negligence, but falls short of constituting murder.
It encompasses different levels of seriousness depending on the circumstances surrounding the act, such as whether it was intentional, reckless, or negligent.
In April 2024, a police officer, Farai Muchandisiye (37), was fined US$200 by the Norton Magistrates Court following his conviction for culpable homicide.
He was facing two charges: (1) culpable homicide, and (2) failing to report an accident to the Police.
Muchandisiye pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a fine of US$200 or 2 months imprisonment for count 1.
He was sentenced to a further US$100 fine or 1 month imprisonment for count 2.
Culpable homicide is defined by Section 49 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act as the unlawful killing of another person due to negligence or recklessness. The section reads as follows:
<blockquote>
Any person who causes the death of another person –
(a) negligently failing to realise that death may result from his or her conduct; or
(b) realising that death may result from his or her conduct and negligently failing to guard 
against that possibility;
shall be guilty of culpable homicide and liable to imprisonment for life or any shorter period or 
a fine up to or exceeding level fourteen or both.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Haulage Truck Driver Faces Culpable Homicide Charges After Fatal Crash

A bus mechanic from Bulawayo has been sentenced to an effective 24 months in prison for running over two pedestrians while test-driving a bus he was fixing in November 2023.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Witness Moyo (37) who is an unlicensed driver, was facing two counts of culpable homicide and one count of driving without a driver’s license when he was arraigned before the Western Commonage Magistrates’s court. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
A Bulawayo man, Witness Moyo (37) appeared before the Western Commonage Magistrates’ Court facing one count of culpable homicide and another charge of driving without a driver’s license.
On 4 November 2023 along Nketa Drive in Mpopoma Bulawayo, the accused person who is a mechanic was test-driving an AVM bus due north on Nketa Drive in Mpopoma Bulawayo when he hit two pedestrians, Otis Ncube and Shanice Mathe who were crossing the road. The two pedestrians died on the spot. The accused person drove without a driver’s license.
</blockquote>
The State proved that Moyo not only exceeded the speed limit but also neglected to stay within his lane, maintain a proper lookout, or react promptly when an accident or collision appeared imminent.
Moyo pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment of which 12 months were suspended for five years. He will serve 24 months effectively.
For the second count (driving without a driver’s license), he was ordered to pay a fine of US$250 by 31 May 2024 or spend five months in prison.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Unlicensed And Speeding Bus Mechanic Runs Over, Kills Two Pedestrians

A 36-year-old man from Dangamvura in Mutare whose speeding vehicle knocked down and killed three schoolchildren along Christmas-Pass-Shamu Road last month has been fined US$1 200 and had his driver’s licence revoked by a magistrate.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the accused, John Dumbura, appeared before the Mutare Magistrate’s Court facing charges of culpable homicide. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
The State proved that on the 12th day of March 2024 at around 1500 hours, the accused person was driving a Toyota Fortuner along Christmas pass- Shamu road heading to Mutare town when he was involved in an accident that claimed 3 lives.
The accused person was driving at an excessive speed and lost control of the vehicle, hitting 4 pedestrians named Blessing Chisari, Silvian Maponde, Strive Maponde and Tyron Chikwanda who were walking on the side of the road heading to Chirichangu Farm.
The first three sustained severe head injuries and died at the scene. Chikwanda sustained injuries to the leg and neck and was rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for treatment.
The accused person’s licence was cancelled due to his negligence. The accused person was sentenced to pay a fine of USD1 200 and failure to pay will attract 6 months imprisonment.
</blockquote>
A <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/crash-victims-families-demand-28-cattle-us24-000/">report claims</a> the families of three deceased children demanded US$24,000, 28 head of cattle, four goats and two cocks from the Dumbura family as compensation. The demands were made before the burial of the minors.
Sylvian (13) and Strive Maponde (nine), who were siblings, were buried at their rural home in Marange, while Chisare (nine) was interred at Tsvingwe Cemetery in Penhalonga.
However, Chief Mutasa was reported as saying normally, reparations are not paid before the deceased manifests in an avenging spirit, stating what he or she wants.
He added that the demands for money and cattle made by the bereaved family were pure “madness and unlawful”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Speeding Driver Fined $1,200 After Fatal Accident Claimed 3 School Children's Lives

A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) member was fined US$200 by a magistrate following his conviction for culpable homicide.
Farai Muchandisiye (37) appeared before a Norton Magistrate facing two charges: (1) culpable homicide, and (2) failing to report an accident to the Police.
He was also found guilty on the second charge and was fined US$100.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on 19 February 2024 at around 8 PM, Muchandisiye, who was driving a Toyota Wish along the Harare-Bulawayo road ran over Tanaka Danhire (20) as he was trying to cross the road.
The accused person ferried the now-deceased to the hospital where he died upon admission. The accused did not report the accident to the Police.
Muchandisiye pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a fine of US$200 or 2 months imprisonment for count 1.
He was sentenced to a further US$100 fine or 1 month imprisonment for count 2.
Culpable homicide is defined by Section 49 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act as the unlawful killing of another person due to negligence or recklessness. The section reads as follows:
<blockquote>
Any person who causes the death of another person –
(a) negligently failing to realise that death may result from his or her conduct; or
(b) realising that death may result from his or her conduct and negligently failing to guard 
against that possibility;
shall be guilty of culpable homicide and liable to imprisonment for life or any shorter period or 
a fine up to or exceeding level fourteen or both.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Officer Fined US$200 For Culpable Homicide

An octogenarian farmer (81) from Headlands, who accidentally shot and killed his 46-year-old biological son while chasing a troop of baboons that had invaded his maize field, has been charged with culpable homicide.
Culpable homicide refers to the unlawful act of causing the death of another person due to negligence or recklessness.
Any person who negligently causes the death of another person, either failing to realize that death may result from their conduct or realizing the risk but failing to guard against it, can be charged with culpable homicide.
Furthermore, if an accused person was defending themselves or someone else against an unlawful attack and did something essential to the crime (such as causing harm), they may still be guilty of culpable homicide if the requirements for self-defence are met, except that the means used to avert the attack were unreasonable in the circumstances.
As reported by <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/dad-mistakes-son-for-baboon-fatally-shoots-him/">The Manica Post</a>, the now late Innocent Nyakurerwa was chasing a troop of baboons that had invaded their maize field when he was shot dead by his father, Isaac Nyakurerwa of Plot 20A, Fairfield Farm in Headlands.
The acting spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Manicaland province, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said as Innocent was chasing the baboons, his father was not aware of his presence and using a registered Winchester rifle, he fired a single shot that hit his son on the chin and killed him on the spot.
Nyakurerwa allegedly spotted his now-deceased son’s shadow and mistook it for a baboon and only realised the fatal mistake when he screamed for help.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said they had initially charged Nyakurerwa with murder as defined in Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9.23.
However, after vetting the docket presented to them last week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) at Rusape Magistrates’ Courts directed the police to charge Nyakurerwa with culpable homicide.
The request for remand form submitted to the prosecution by police reads in part:
<blockquote>
On March 26, 2024, at Plot 20A, Fairfield 20 Farm in Headlands, the accused person was chasing some baboons which were approaching his maize field. He fired a shot with his rifle, a Winchester 22 to the mountain where the baboons were and he accidentally shot his biological son, Innocent Nyakurerwa, aged 46 on the chin. Innocent died on the spot. The rifle and spent cartridge were recovered from the scene.
</blockquote>
Nyakurerwa has since been released from custody waiting to be charged with culpable homicide and is expected to appear in court soon.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

New Details Emerge On Octogenarian Farmer Who Mistook His Son For A Baboon And Fatally Shot Him

The families of three learners from Penhalonga, who tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident along Christmas-Pass-Shamu Road last week, have put forth compensation requests.
These requests include US$24,000 and 28 head of cattle. Additionally, by their cultural practices, the families have also requested four goats and two cocks.
According to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/crash-victims-families-demand-28-cattle-us24-000/">The Manica Post</a>, the demands were made before the burial of the minors.
Sylvian (13) and Strive Maponde (nine) as well as Blessing Chisare (nine) were knocked down by an alleged speeding Toyota Fortuner that was being driven by John Dumbura.
The siblings were buried at their rural home in Marange on Friday last week, while Chisare (nine) was interred at Tsvingwe Cemetery in Penhalonga last Saturday.
John Dumbura was expected to appear in court facing culpable homicide charges.
Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s acting spokesperson in Manicaland Province, said the matter will be taken to court once all relevant information, including the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) report, is availed. He said:
<blockquote>
Police are still working on the docket, and as we speak, the post-mortem results are already in, but we are still waiting for the VID report.
The matter will be taken to court once all the relevant information has been processed.
</blockquote>
The Maponde family’s demands for reparation were reportedly handed over to John’s uncle, Shellington Dumbura. The agreement reads:
<blockquote>
On the death of Gift Maponde’s two children, we agreed on March 13, 2024 that: (1) for each of the deceased child, the perpetrator pays 14 cattle, and that means it should add up to 28 cattle for the two children. For each child, they also pay US$5 000: that means 28 cattle and US$10 000 as well as four goats and two cocks.
</blockquote>
The Chisare family also entered into a similar agreement with the Dumburas and it reads:
<blockquote>
For Blessing’s death, we have agreed that Mr Dumbura pays US$ 14,000. Today, he paid US$1 000, leaving a balance of US$13 000.
</blockquote>
Dumbura confirmed that he had reached an agreement with the families of the deceased when contacted by The Manica Post on Tuesday. He said:
<blockquote>
I did not argue with them. We accepted what they were demanding. Every place has its traditions, so we just follow what they say.
While we were in Bocha (Marange) where the two siblings were buried, the traditional leader pointed out that they (Mapondes) had charged more than what they were traditionally supposed to.
Their culture stipulates that they should charge seven cattle per child to make them 14 for the two.
The chief also wants three beasts for each child killed, making them six, and a total of 20.
</blockquote>
Chief Mutasa said normally, reparations are not paid before the deceased manifests in an avenging spirit, stating what he or she wants.
He added that the demands for money and cattle made by the bereaved family were pure “madness and unlawful”. He said:
<blockquote>
Normally, reparations are not paid before the deceased manifests in an avenging spirit, spelling out what he or she wants.
What we do in our area is that when an accident happens or when one is killed in such a way, the perpetrator meets all the funeral expenses; that is the transport, food and coffins.
We bury the deceased and then wait for the deceased’s spirit to manifest and make its demands known.
You cannot say when someone has died today, you wake up the next day demanding reparation. That is madness; it is unlawful.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Government, through the Department of Civil Protection (DCP), availed the three coffins and hearses to facilitate the burial of the three children and also provided grain.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Families Of Schoolchildren Killed By Speeding Vehicle Demand 28 Cattle, US$24 000

In the Toronto area of Penhalonga, located on the outskirts of Mutare, a devastating accident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon.
A speeding vehicle, allegedly driven by an intoxicated driver, struck three learners. Tragically, among the victims were the only two children of a local couple.
The incident occurred around 3 PM on Tuesday, March 12, at the 2-kilometer mark along Christmas Pass-Shamu Road.
The siblings, Silvian and Strive Maponde, and another learner, died on the spot.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the accident. Additionally, a fourth victim sustained injuries and was admitted to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital. Fortunately, he was discharged the following day.
In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified the deceased as Blessing Chasarira (nine), Silvian Maponde (13) and Strive Maponde (nine), all of Chirochangu Plot, Toronto. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a road traffic accident in which three learners were killed, while another learner was injured when a Toyota Fortuner vehicle veered off the road to the left and knocked down the learners who were crossing the road at the 2km peg along Christmas Pass-Shamu Road on March 12, 2023, at around 3 PM.
The victims were identified by their next of kin as Blessing Chasarira, Silvian Maponde and Strive Maponde. The bodies of the victims were taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for post-mortem, while the injured learner was admitted at the same hospital.
</blockquote>
Acting spokesperson for the ZRP in Manicaland Province, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the driver of the vehicle, John Dumbura, was being charged with culpable homicide.
Silvian Maponde was in Grade Six at Little St Augustine’s Primary School, while his sibling, Strive was in Grade Two at the same school. Chisarira was in Grade Two at Beaule Primary School.
According to witnesses who spoke to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/couple-loses-all-children-in-accident/">The Manica Post</a>, the driver of the vehicle was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and driving at high speed.
It is believed that Dumbura lost control of the speeding vehicle, leading to the tragic outcome.
Gift Maponde, a resident, faced unimaginable grief as his only two children had just disembarked from a kombi and were only a few meters away from their home. He said:
<blockquote>
My children, Silvian and Strive were hit by the car and died on the spot. They are gone. They had just disembarked from a kombi on their way home.
Even though I arrived a few moments after the accident, I saw the driver; he was visibly drunk. It happened around 3 pm since I had come from where I am employed as a security guard.
This is so devastating. I cannot believe that I no longer have any children. They were all taken in the blink of an eye.
This is so difficult to comprehend and adapt to. I am in extreme pain, and whoever did this must pay for his sins.
</blockquote>
Primrose Masiiyiwa, who said she witnessed the accident unfolding, said:
<blockquote>
I was coming from fetching water and saw these kids checking both sides of the road before crossing.
Everything happened so fast and the next thing I heard was a loud crashing sound. When I rushed to check what had happened.
I realised that the kids had been knocked down by the car and were lying in a bush by the roadside.
</blockquote>
Asst Comm Nyathi urged motorists to be alert and observe stipulated speed limits to safeguard lives and to abide by the road rules and regulations to curb road accidents.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tragedy Strikes: Couple Loses All Children in Alcohol-Related Car Accident

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, has been fined US$200 for culpable homicide.
ZETDC was hauled before the Murambinda Magistrates’ Court, accused of causing the death of Havatendi Kangetsambo (52) who was electrocuted by exposed wire cables at a farm paddock in March 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority considers the US$200 fine too lenient and has vowed to appeal the sentence. The NPA said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) was arraigned before the Murambinda Magistrates’ Court on culpable homicide charges.
The charges emanated from an incident which happened on the 3rd of March 2022 at around 1500 hours wherein the now deceased Havatendi Kangetsambo (52) was electrocuted by exposed wire cables at a farm paddock. He succumbed to injuries and died on the spot.
ZETDC was ordered to pay a fine of USD200.
</blockquote>
Culpable homicide refers to the unlawful act of causing a person’s death, but it is held not to amount to murder.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZETDC Fined US$200 For Causing The Death Of A 52-year-old Man

A security guard accidentally shot and killed his colleague during a shift change at the Food Lovers Market in Greendale, Harare, Zimbabwe. The incident, believed to be a tragic accident, occurred when Privilege Chivanganye, 28, was handing over his firearm, a Taurus revolver, to Jaison Dhlamini.
Chivanganye informed Dhlamini about a problem with the gun and gave it to him along with six rounds of ammunition. As Dhlamini tried to load the gun, both men realized there was an issue and attempted to fix it. Unfortunately, Chivanganye accidentally squeezed the trigger, shooting Dhlamini in the stomach. Dhlamini was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Chivanganye has been charged with culpable homicide and appeared in court, where he was granted bail. His lawyer indicated that Chivanganye intends to plead guilty, claiming that he was unaware that Dhlamini had turned off the gun’s safety pin. The case will continue on November 17.
Culpable homicide refers to the criminal offence of causing the death of another person through negligence or recklessness. It is a form of unlawful killing that does not involve premeditation or intent to cause harm. The term “culpable” implies that the person responsible for the death can be held accountable due to their actions or omissions. In Zimbabwe, the likely sentence for someone found guilty of culpable homicide will depend on several factors. The court will consider the circumstances surrounding the offence, the degree of negligence or recklessness involved, and the harm caused to the victim.
The maximum penalty for culpable homicide in Zimbabwe is imprisonment for up to 20 years. However, the court has discretion in determining the appropriate sentence based on the specific details of the case. Factors that may influence the sentencing include the level of remorse demonstrated by the accused, their previous conduct, and their cooperation with the investigation.
Mitigating factors, such as showing genuine remorse and taking responsibility for the actions, may lead to a more lenient sentence. On the other hand, aggravating factors, such as a high degree of negligence or reckless behaviour, could result in more severe punishment.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Food Lovers Market Security Guard Shot And Killed His Colleague

A 35-year-old Mvurwi was recently sentenced to seven years imprisonment for fatally assaulting his best friend on 09 October 2022 for joking about bedding his wife.
In sentencing Mike Foya, High Court judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi considered that he committed the crime after being provoked.
Four years of his sentence were set aside on condition that he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
During the trial, prosecutors said Foya and his friend, Innocent Chawira were coming from a beer drink.
The two were so drunk that they had difficulties finding their way home.
Chawira joked he was in love with Foya’s wife, igniting an argument that degenerated into a physical fight. Read the court papers:
<blockquote>
The boastful friend was beaten and left for dead. He indeed was found dead the next day.
</blockquote>
Foya pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder but guilty to the lesser charge of culpable homicide as defined in section 49 of the Criminal Law Code.
The prosecution accepted his limited plea.
Foya submitted that he did not consider the degree of force he applied when he assaulted his friend.
He also said he did not pay regard to the fact that the part of the deceased’s body he targeted for the blow was delicate.
Justice Mutevedzi conceded his arguments were acceptable. Ruled the judge:
<blockquote>
Given the above evidence, we are satisfied that the acceptance by the prosecution of the accused’s plea of guilty to the lesser charge is an informed decision.
Against that background, the accused person is found not guilty and is acquitted of the charge of murder.
He is found guilty of the lesser charge of culpable homicide as defined in s 49 of the Criminal Law Code.
The accused stands convicted of the offence of culpable homicide. He killed his friend in a drunken brawl.
He is 31 years old. Counsel who represented him urged the court to take into account that he is indeed a youthful offender.
This court has accepted in the past that the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013 in s 20 accords the status of youth on any person between the ages of 15 and 35 years.
The accused pleaded guilty to the charge. Needless to say, pleas of guilty are valuable to the expeditious resolution of criminal cases.
Criminal trials particularly in this court are often a prolonged battle with extended hours being expended in the maze of seeking the truth.
In that process, huge amounts of material resources are needed for the payment of witness expenses.
An accused who pleads guilty must therefore be rewarded for the savings which he/she brings to the administration of justice.
Whether it was intended to be a prank or it was reality nobody will really know. If it was a prank, it, unfortunately, went horribly wrong.
The court equally accepts that the accused acted out of provocation by the deceased who taunted him for having an extramarital affair with his wife.
As if that was not enough, the deceased went on to assault the accused who then retaliated and killed him. The deceased was therefore the initial aggressor.
The situation was compounded by the fact that the accused was intoxicated. He simply lost it as a result.
</blockquote>
Justice Mutevedzi also considered that Foya has been in jail since his arrest last year.
Culpable homicide refers to an unlawful act that results in the death of another person, where the accused did not intend to cause death but acted in a manner that showed disregard for human life.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Drunk Man Kills Best Friend For Joking About Bedding His Wife

Tynwald High School bus driver, Chamunorwa Machimbidzofa, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by a Nyanga magistrate.
Machimbidzofa was behind the wheel when the Tynwald High School bus was involved in an accident in Nyanga which claimed the lives of six learners and one teacher in 2022.
According to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/breaking-news-driver-jailed-five-years-for-nyanga-bus-accident/">The Manica Post</a>, Machimbidzofa was found guilty of seven counts of culpable homicide after a full trial at Nyanga Magistrates’ Court.
However, one year was suspended on the condition that doesn’t commit an offence involving negligent driving in the next five years.
This means Machimbidzoka will serve an effective four years in prison.
The court also cancelled his driver’s licence and barred him from driving for five years.
The Tynwald High School bus was involved in a fatal accident in Juliusdale, Nyanga on Friday, 14 October 2022 around 7 PM, with reports suggesting that the driver was speeding and failed to negotiate a sharp curve. 
Six pupils, five female and one male died from head injuries after the bus overturned and landed on its roof near Pine Tree Hotel at the 75km peg along the Rusape-Nyanga Road.
Thirty-nine other learners and staff members were injured and were taken to Nyanga District Hospital and Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare.
The pupils who perished in the accident are Anesuishe Hove (14) of Bluffhill in Harare; Beyonce Guyo (15) of Madokero, Harare; Anita Manyuka (16) of Tynwald Harare; Destiny Dziva (14) of Avondale Harare; Kimberly Tarisai Mutusva (15) of Chitepo Heights, Harare and Craig Madanhire (age unknown), a male juvenile.
The deceased teacher was identified as Chamunorwa Rukwanha. He passed away on 02 November 2022 at the Avenues Clinic in Harare where he was being treated for head injuries.
<h2>What is culpable homicide?</h2>
If the court concludes that the accused did not foresee the possibility of death but that he should have foreseen it (i.e that a reasonable man would have foreseen it) and the reasonable person would have guarded against it, the correct verdict is culpable homicide. – Veritas
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tynwald High School Bus Driver Jailed

An 18-year-old woman who was fighting with her two boyfriends was arrested for murder after she missed one of her lovers and accidentally struck a bystander.
The bystander fell into a drain and was rushed to the hospital while unconscious, where he died.
Police confirmed the incident which occurred at a service station in Kuwadzana 2 on Thursday. Police said:
<blockquote>
Police in Harare have arrested Leanda Mupfumira (18) in connection with a case of murder that occurred on 20/04/2023 at a service station in Kuwadzana 2.
The suspect allegedly picked a half brick intending to throw it at one of her two boyfriends she was fighting with.
The brick hit a bystander, Tawanda Nigel Ziumbe (23), resulting in him falling into a drain and becoming unconscious.
The victim died at a local hospital whilst on admission.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, unintentional or accidental killing may be classified as culpable homicide.
Culpable homicide refers to the killing of another person due to negligence, recklessness, or carelessness.
Those convicted of the crime could face imprisonment or other penalties, depending on the severity of the offence and other factors involved in the case.

Teenager Accidentally Kills Bystander During Fight With Two Boyfriends

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said dog attacks have become a “serious matter”, with some owners of killer dogs having been charged with culpable homicide.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/murder-charges-for-killer-dog-owners">The Sunday Mail</a> that some residents are now breeding dangerous dogs, and in some cases, the pets are left unattended. He said:
<blockquote>
Some of the dog owners have been charged with culpable homicide.
This has become a serious matter. People are breeding dangerous dogs and instead of exercising maximum caution, they actually leave these dogs unattended, while others do not have the security needed for one to have dogs on their premises.
</blockquote>
It is now common for households to own breeds such as the pitbull, boerboel, doberman, bullmastiff, rottweiler and German shepherd.
A community in Southview Park, Harare, is now living in fear of vicious dogs belonging to a family that recently moved into the neighbourhood.
One of the residents claimed they now spend most of the day in their houses for fear of the dogs. Said the resident:
<blockquote>
They (the new family) have two big dogs and several puppies, which are making them even more aggressive. The dogs have attacked us on several occasions.
Talking to the owners is not helping, as they have only encouraged us to befriend the dogs to avoid being attacked.
We now spend most of the day in the house, while getting home late at night is now risky.
There is a real possibility of being mauled to death.
</blockquote>
Dr. Regis Murwira, a general practitioner, said that there has been an increase in the number of patients being treated for dog bites. He said:
<blockquote>
In the past, we would attend to an average of two or three cases per month, but in the last half of 2022, cases spiked to at least seven.
To attend to dog attack cases, the patient should have a police report. We administer rabies injections before attending to the wounds.
For a rabies jab, one should part with at least US$25, excluding the consultation fee.
</blockquote>
In 2022, a six-year-old girl was killed by two vicious boerboel dogs while playing in Goromonzi.
Before that, a 70-year-old man died after being severely attacked by stray dogs in Ardbennie, Harare, on his way home.
In 2021, a Grade Five learner died in Chegutu after she was mauled by three dogs on her way to school.

Culpable Homicide Charges For Killer Dog Owners

A 17-year-old Mbare boy who was driving a bus with one passenger on board struck and killed a 7-year-old boy on Monday in the same suburb.
The now-deceased boy was playing football with friends along a street in the high-density suburb.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) revealed the tragic incident Tuesday via their official Twitter page but did not give further details on it. Police said:
<blockquote>
Police in Harare are investigating a fatal road traffic accident in which an AVM DAF bus, with one passenger on board and being driven by a teenager (17) hit a boy (7) who was playing soccer on the extreme left side of Harare Street near Gwinyai Primary School, Mbare on 05/12/22. The victim died on the spot.
</blockquote>
In an unrelated incident, 6 people died while 9 others were injured when a truck rammed into a commuter omnibus along the Kwekwe-Gokwe Highway on Sunday afternoon.
5 people who were aboard the Kwekwe-bound Nissan Caravan died on the spot while another one died upon admission at Kwekwe General Hospital.
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident which happened at the 60km peg just outside Kwekwe. <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/six-perish-in-horror-crash/">The Chronicle</a> quoted Asst Comm Nyathi as saying:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident that occurred at the 60km peg along Kwekwe-Gokwe Road on 3 December 2022 at around 1300 hours, where six people died while nine others were injured.
A motorist who was driving a Scania Rigid truck towards Kwekwe with one passenger on board rammed into a Nissan Caravan vehicle travelling in the same direction with 14 passengers on board.
Five passengers from the Nissan Caravan vehicle died on the spot, while another died on admission at Kwekwe General Hospital.
</blockquote>

17-year-old Bus Driver Runs Over, Kills Minor In Mbare

The late Tynwald High School teacher, Chamunorwa Rukwanha, has been described by the school head Kennias Matimba as one of the best teachers at the school.
Rukwanha passed away on Wednesday at the Avenues Clinic in Harare where he was being treated for head injuries.
He becomes the seventh victim of the accident which claimed the lives of six pupils along Nyanga Road last month.
Rukwanha, who was an A’ Level Geography and Sociology teacher, sustained head injuries when the school bus overturned after the driver lost control.
Matimba said Rukwanha was well-liked by the learners. He said:
<blockquote>
The school has been robbed of another life again.
The death came after all admitted children, and staff members had been discharged from the hospital.
One of the teachers was discharged and is now using a wheelchair.
Mr Rukwanha was among the best teachers we have and was so jovial and most students liked him.
</blockquote>
A number of Tynwald High School students visited the late Rukwanha in the hospital.
Matimba said mourners are gathered at Rukwanha’s Mabelreign residence. | <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/tynwald-high-school-mourns-again/">H-Metro</a>

"He Was Among Our Best Teachers," Tynwald High School Mourns 7th Accident Victim

The driver of the Tynwald High School bus that was involved in an accident that claimed the lives of six learners who were on a road trip to Nyanga last month faces seven counts of culpable homicide.
The bus driver, Chamunorwa Machimbidzofa, who was wanted by police in Mutare, was arrested in Harare on Tuesday after evading police for three weeks.
He was taken to Mutare for further investigations.
A Geography and Sociology Upper 6 teacher at Tynwald High School, who was part of the trip succumbed to injuries at Avenues Clinic on Tuesday bringing the death toll to seven.
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that Machimbidzofa was arrested in the city while moving around offering condolences to some of the parents of the deceased. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/tywnald-high-school-accident-driver-faces-seven-counts-of-culpable-homicide/">Said Asst Comm Nyathi:</a>
<blockquote>
He was arrested yesterday (Tuesday) in Harare and had been on the run for three weeks. He did not cooperate with the police also after the accident and has been playing hide and seek. He is likely to face culpable homicide charges.
</blockquote>
Police reportedly tried to contact Machimbidzofa several times but he would refer them to his “lawyer”.
He also wasn’t reporting for duty at the school, resulting in the school not giving him his salary.
The Tynwald High School bus was involved in a fatal accident in Juliusdale, Nyanga on Friday, 14 October 2022 around 7 PM, with reports suggesting that the driver was speeding and failed to negotiate a sharp curve. 
Six pupils, five female and one male, died from head injuries after the bus overturned and landed on its roof near Pine Tree Hotel at the 75km peg along the Rusape-Nyanga Road.
Thirty-nine other learners and staff members were injured and were taken to Nyanga District Hospital and Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare.
The pupils who perished in the accident are Anesuishe Hove (14) of Bluffhill in Harare; Beyonce Guyo (15) of Madokero, Harare; Anita Manyuka (16) of Tynwald Harare; Destiny Dziva (14) of Avondale Harare; Kimberly Tarisai Mutusva (15) of Chitepo Heights, Harare and Craig Madanhire (age unknown), a male juvenile.
<h2>What is culpable homicide?</h2>
If the court concludes that the accused did not foresee the possibility of death but that he should have foreseen it (i.e that a reasonable man would have foreseen it) and the reasonable person would have guarded against it, the correct verdict is culpable homicide. – Veritas

Tywnald High School Bus Driver Faces Seven Counts Of Culpable Homicide

A Goromonzi man has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide after his two Boer dogs killed a six-year-old girl.
In a statement posted on their social media page, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that two dogs belonging to Justice Nyamutsamba (40), mauled to death the girl as she was playing with her friends.
Police said they have since killed the dogs and arrested the owner. ZRP said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP reports a sad incident in which a six-year-old girl was mauled to death by two vicious Boer dogs whilst playing with friends on 13/10/22 at Dongo Village, Goromonzi.
The Police have since shot dead the dogs and the owner, Justice Nyamutsamba (40) is being charged with culpable homicide. Investigations are underway.
</blockquote>
In an unrelated case, police in Chiredzi on Tuesday arrested Serudzai Magadzire (45) in connection with a case of murder which occurred on Monday at Village 3, Wasara Range, Chiredzi.
Police said Magadzire and his accomplice, Kenias Magadzire (21) who is still at large, fatally assaulted Benson Chikati (83).
The duo allegedly accused Chikati of witchcraft before attacking him with catapults and wooden sticks.
The victim passed away while waiting to be taken to the hospital.

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