Duo jailed for culpable homicide

Two men from Rusape in Manicaland province have each been sentenced to three years in prison for culpable homicide following a freak accident that led to the death of a local woman.

The pair, Rasper Musekiwa (33) and Collen Chingaya (38), were convicted and jailed this week after appearing in court over the July 14, 2024, incident at Chimharize Village under Chief Chikore.

According to the State, Chingaya failed to properly park his vehicle, leaving it without the handbrake engaged and the ignition key still on. He then instructed Musekiwa to remove the key, but instead, Musekiwa mistakenly turned it on, causing the vehicle to lurch forward and strike a woman standing nearby.

The victim sustained severe pelvic and knee fractures and died on her way to hospital from internal bleeding.

In a statement after the sentencing, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) urged motorists to exercise caution, warning against allowing unlicensed individuals to handle vehicles.

"Vehicles are machines that should never be given to unlicensed people," the NPAZ said.