A 20-year-old man from Penhalonga has been sentenced to 14 months imprisonment for culpable homicide.
Obriel Chivanda appeared at the Mutare Magistrates Court facing a charge of culpable homicide.
The prosecution alleged that on the morning of May 24, 2024, Chivanda was driving a Nissan X-Trail from his home on his way to Penhalonga.
Tragically, he ran over a baby who was crawling on the road and it di3d on the spot.
A police report was made following the incident, leading to Chivanda’s arrest and subsequent charging with culpable homicide.
The court heard that Chivanda had failed to exercise reasonable care and attention while driving, resulting in the tragic d3ath of the child.
In handing down the sentence, the magistrate suspended eight months of the sentence for five years. This means that Chivanda will not have to serve the full 14 months if he behaves himself and does not reoffend during that period.
Six months of the sentence were commuted to 210 hours of community service. Chivanda was also prohibited from driving for two months as a result of his reckless behavior.
Chivanda’s lawyer stated that his client was remorseful for his actions and accepted responsibility for his mistake.
The sentence has been seen as a wake-up call by many in the community, who are calling for stricter penalties for drivers who cause harm to others on the road.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
