Photo for Representation (Image Credit: The Herald)
How much is a human life worth in Zimbabwe?
That’s the uncomfortable question haunting many citizens following the outrageous sentencing of reckless, unlicensed drivers who have killed pedestrians — and walked away with nothing more than community service.
In June 2025, a 20-year-old man from Chinhoyi caused a horror hit-and-run accident that claimed one life and injured four others. He was driving an unroadworthy Honda Fit with no licence. After mowing down five pedestrians at 4 a.m.
near the Chegutu-Chinhoyi Road, he fled the scene. And yet, he will not spend a single night behind bars. Instead, the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court sentenced him to 360 hours of community service.
That’s less than the time many spend binge-watching a series on Netflix.
1 Dead, 4 Injured: Reckless Driver Walks Away With Community Service After Hit-And-Run Horror Accident
This is not justice. It is an insult to the deceased, to the injured, and to every citizen who obeys the law.
Let’s be clear: driving without a valid licence is not a minor offence. It is a criminal act that shows blatant disregard for human life and public safety.
The law is unequivocal — one must be licensed to operate a vehicle. A licence is not a mere formality. It signifies that one is competent and authorised to drive.
When an unlicensed driver gets behind the wheel, they gamble with the lives of others.
When that gamble ends in death, the law must not turn a blind eye.
But in Zimbabwe, it appears that the courts do just that.
Take the case of popular musician Chillmaster. In April 2025, he fatally struck 50-year-old Custon Charumbira while driving without a licence. He was convicted of culpable homicide.
Yet, instead of going to prison, he was ordered to perform 420 hours of community service and pay a US$200 fine. That’s right — US$200 for a life.
Source: Iharare
