Tich Mataz in culpable homicide storm

Veteran broadcaster Tichafa Augustine Matambanadzo appeared in court yesterday accused of culpable homicide dating back to 2024 when he allegedly ran over a pedestrian killing him instantly. Matambanadzo (56), was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai. Issues of bail did not arise because he was summoned to court.

Prosecutor Charlotte Gomani alleged that on July 27 2024, Matambanadzowas driving a Toyota Hilux along Samora Machel Avenue due west and had three passengers on board. The now deceased Daniel Uchena (44) was a pedestrian and was walking along Samora Machel Road due south. Upon reaching a certain point along the said road near Odzi Flats, Eastlea, Matambanadzo hit the now deceased with the right fender of his car and he fell down on the tarmac and sustained multiple internal injuries.

The now deceased was taken to Parirenyatwa Group of hospital for medical examination and was pronounced dead upon admission. Matambanadzo’s motor vehicle sustained damages on the front right bumper and a shattered window screen. The vehicle was taken to Vehicle Examination Department at Eastlea for examination. The State claimed that Matambanadzo was negligent in that he failed to keep a proper lookout of the road ahead, failed to stop or act reasonably when accident seemed eminent and was driving at an excessive speed.