Court Bans Chillmaster from Driving

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

Popular musician Kudakwashe Gift Hombarume, better known in showbiz circles as Chillmaster, has been banned from driving for nine months following his conviction for culpable homicide and driving without a valid licence.

The conviction stems from a May incident in which Chillmaster fatally struck Custon Charumbira while driving without a licence.

He was initially sentenced to perform 210 hours of community service and fined US$200 for the traffic offence.

However, Judge President Justice Mary Zimba-Dube later reviewed the sentence, ruling it too lenient given the seriousness of the crime. She referred the matter back to Mbare magistrate Tendai Mukurunge for resentencing.

Justice Dube said Chillmaster had driven with gross negligence under aggravating circumstances, which warranted a tougher penalty.

“The aggravating features of this case do not justify community service,” she ruled. “The courts must send a strong message to those who drive without a licence, especially when such actions result in the loss of life.”

Following the review, Magistrate Mukurunge imposed a nine-month driving ban while maintaining a non-custodial sentence.

She explained that incarceration would be excessive, but a fine alone would not reflect the gravity of the offence.

In mitigation, the court also considered that Chillmaster had pledged to support Charumbira’s children by paying school fees, providing groceries, and assisting with other responsibilities.

Magistrate Mukurunge further noted that the victim’s family, through Lucia Charumbira, had requested the musician’s presence at memorial and traditional rituals, and emphasized their wish for him to fulfill cultural obligations to prevent avenging spirits.