When musician Gift “Chillmaster” Hombarume fatally struck pedestrian Custon Charumbira in April 2025, many expected a long prison sentence. After all, he was driving without a licence—a serious offence even before one factors in a fatality.
But to the surprise of many, the court handed him a two-year sentence—wholly suspended—and a modest US$200 fine for driving unlicensed. Instead of prison, Chillmaster will perform community service and support the deceased’s family.
This has sparked debate about justice, accountability, and how Zimbabwean courts handle such cases.
So, why did Chillmaster avoid serious jail time?
From the start, Chillmaster appeared contrite. He reportedly paid for funeral costs and pledged lifelong support for the deceased’s children. He promised to send monthly groceries, cover school fees, and even provide livestock—a cultural gesture aimed at appeasing the deceased’s spirit.
In her ruling, magistrate Tatenda Mukurunge highlighted that the Charumbira family had forgiven Chillmaster.
She said their support, especially through a victim impact statement delivered by Lucia Charumbira, influenced her sentencing.
This reflects a pattern in Zimbabwean law: personal restitution and family forgiveness often weigh heavily during sentencing, especially in culpable homicide cases.
Chillmaster’s case is not unique. In 2021, businessman Moses Chingwena—founder of Croco Motors—was convicted of culpable homicide after killing a pedestrian at night. Despite his wealth and the fatal result, he was fined just ZWL $60,000 and served no prison time.
Like Chillmaster, he paid funeral costs, offered compensation (10 cows and US$4,000), and showed remorse. The court found no aggravating circumstances, even noting the deceased’s own actions might have contributed to the accident.
Similarly, in 2015, Russell Goreraza—son of Grace Mugabe—was fined US$800 for killing a pedestrian while speeding. The court accepted his plea, acknowledged his regret, and considered him a first-time offender.
Despite public outcry, he too avoided jail.
Clearly, Zimbabwean courts often prioritise personal responsibility, compensation, and the wishes of victims’ families over custodial punishment—especially when the offender is a first-time convict.
One key difference in Chillmaster’s case is that he was unlicensed. This could have significantly aggravated his sentence. Driving without a licence not only endangers others but also indicates disregard for traffic laws.
Source: Iharare
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