Popular Zimbabwean musician Kudakwashe Gift Hombarume, better known by his stage name Chillmaster, is set to face a fresh legal inquiry into his culpable homicide case after the High Court ordered the Mbare Magistrates Court to reopen proceedings. The order follows the court’s finding of serious flaws in the original trial and sentencing, which Judge President Mary Zimba-Dube said failed to deliver “real and substantial justice.”
Hombarume, 24, was originally convicted in May for his role in a fatal road accident and sentenced by Magistrate Tatenda Mukurunge. He was fined US$200 for driving without a licence and handed a two-year sentence for culpable homicide. Of this, one year was suspended on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining year was suspended on the condition that he completed 420 hours of community service at Stoneridge Primary School.
The High Court’s review, however, determined that the trial magistrate had misjudged the seriousness of Chillmaster’s negligence, which had been described as “ordinary.” Justice Dube found this classification inaccurate given the aggravating factors, including the fact that Hombarume was unlicensed, speeding, and failed to stop immediately after the collision.
Chillmaster Faces Fresh Court Inquiry Over Fatal Road Accident
The fatal accident occurred on April 9, 2025, along New Chitungwiza Road. Driving without a licence, Chillmaster admitted he was travelling between 80 and 100 km/h in a 60 km/h zone when he lost control of his vehicle and struck pedestrian Custon Charumbira. Evidence also revealed that after hitting Charumbira, the musician’s car continued for 67 metres before coming to a halt — a detail the trial court did not properly weigh during sentencing.
Justice Dube was sharply critical of the trial court’s handling of the matter, pointing out that it failed to fully evaluate the extent of the negligence and neglected to consider legally required provisions, such as prohibiting Chillmaster from driving in the future. “The aggravating features of this case do not justify community service,” she ruled. “The conduct exhibited by the accused amounts to gross negligence under aggravating circumstances.”
One of the trial magistrate’s key considerations in granting a lighter sentence had been the musician’s efforts to provide support to the victim’s family. Chillmaster had given financial assistance and even provided livestock, reportedly to appease the family and vengeful spirits in line with traditional customs. The victim’s family had also asked the court for leniency, citing his continued support.
However, Justice Dube warned that such gestures, while culturally significant, could not dictate sentencing outcomes in serious criminal matters. “A victim impact statement cannot trump the interests of justice,” she said. “Courts should not allow offenders to buy their way out of custodial sentences.”
The ruling highlights a broader concern within the judiciary about the message such lenient sentences send to the public, particularly in cases involving dangerous driving. Fatal accidents caused by unlicensed, speeding drivers remain a pressing issue in Zimbabwe, with road safety advocates calling for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties to deter would-be offenders.
The High Court has now ordered the Mbare Magistrates Court to conduct a new hearing within 30 days. This fresh inquiry will focus on three key areas: reassessing the degree of negligence, determining whether Hombarume should be legally barred from driving, and reviewing the appropriateness of the sentence in line with the law and precedent.
For Chillmaster, the reopening of the case means he could face a significantly harsher punishment than the original sentence. Legal analysts note that custodial sentences are common in cases where gross negligence leads to a loss of life, especially when aggravating factors such as lack of a licence and excessive speeding are present.
The development has sparked widespread debate among the public and within the entertainment industry. Some fans have expressed sympathy, citing the musician’s remorse and efforts to reconcile with the victim’s family. Others argue that his celebrity status should not shield him from the full weight of the law, warning that a soft approach risks undermining public trust in the justice system.
As the legal process restarts, the case is being closely watched as a test of how Zimbabwe’s courts balance cultural reconciliation practices, public sentiment, and the legal requirement to impose sentences that reflect the seriousness of fatal road offences.
The outcome of the new inquiry could set an important precedent for similar cases, underscoring the High Court’s stance that road safety and the sanctity of human life take precedence over any personal or cultural arrangements between offenders and victims’ families. For now, Chillmaster remains a free man — but with the looming possibility that his next appearance in court could see him exchanging the stage for a prison cell.
