The High Court is set to review the criminal case of Zimdancehall musician Chillmaster, whose real name is Gift Hombarume, . The case stems from a tragic incident on April 9, 2025, when Chillmaster, while driving without a licence along New Chitungwiza Road in Harare, fatally struck a pedestrian named Custon Charumbira. The pedestrian died instantly from the injuries sustained in the accident. After a full trial, Magistrate Tatenda Mukurunge handed down Chillmaster’s sentence. He was convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. However, half of this sentence was suspended for five years on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period. The remaining 12 months were set aside on the condition that Chillmaster completes 420 hours of community service at Stoneridge Primary School. In addition, for driving without a licence, he was fined US$200 or, in default of payment, would serve four months’ imprisonment.
The sentencing process took into account several mitigating factors. Chillmaster was a first-time offender and demonstrated genuine remorse for his actions. He took responsibility by supporting the family of the deceased in various ways. He covered funeral expenses, provided food and transport, and pledged to pay school fees and monthly groceries for the deceased’s children until they finish school. Furthermore, Chillmaster offered traditional reparations in line with Shona custom, promising to pay cattle to the Charumbira family as part of the cultural practice known as kuripa ngozi, which is meant to appease the spirit of the deceased. The Charumbira family, represented by Lucia Charumbira, publicly forgave Chillmaster and pleaded with the court not to impose a custodial sentence. They cited his remorse and the substantial support he had provided as reasons for their forgiveness. Magistrate Mukurunge, in her ruling, acknowledged that while a fine alone would trivialise the offence, a custodial sentence would be too harsh under the circumstances. She noted the importance of balancing legal requirements with cultural practices and the wishes of the victim’s family.
This case has sparked public debate, with some questioning whether Chillmaster’s celebrity status played a role in the outcome. However, legal experts have pointed out that Zimbabwean law allows for a range of sentencing options in culpable homicide cases, and that similar outcomes are possible when families seek cultural reparations and express forgiveness, regardless of the accused’s public profile. Now, the High Court, under the leadership of Judge President Mary Zimba-Dube, is set to review the case. This review is being conducted to ensure that the principles of fairness and accountability were upheld in the original proceedings. The review will focus on whether the sentence adequately reflects the seriousness of causing death while driving without a licence, and whether the consideration of cultural reparations and the victim’s family’s wishes were appropriate mitigating factors. The court will also consider whether the outcome serves justice and the public interest, particularly in light of concerns about possible preferential treatment.
As the High Court undertakes its review, the case continues to highlight the complex interplay between legal standards, cultural traditions, and the expectations of justice in Zimbabwean society. The outcome of the review will be closely watched, as it may set important precedents for how such cases are handled in the future.
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