A controversy has erupted after a US Embassy official, Eric Kimpton, allegedly struck and k!lled an 11-year-old Zimbabwean girl, Ruvarashe Takamhanya, with his vehicle in June.
Kimpton, who claimed diplomatic immunity, left the country shortly after the incident, leaving the victim’s family seeking justice.
According to the reports, the accident occurred in Dema, about 40 kilometers from Harare, when Kimpton’s speeding vehicle hit the primary schoolgirl, who di3d on the spot. Despite initially promising to return to Zimbabwe after two weeks, Kimpton has not come back, and the police have been unable to complete the documentation process due to his absence.
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The US Embassy has invoked diplomatic immunity to prevent Kimpton’s prosecution in Zimbabwe.
However, Zimbabwe’s government has vowed to take action, with Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, George Charamba, stating that no one is above the law and that Zimbabwe will use available instruments to bring Kimpton to justice.
If the US refuses to waive diplomatic immunity, Zimbabwe may declare Kimpton persona non grata, effectively revoking his diplomatic status and credibility in the country.
The incident has sparked diplomatic tension between the two nations, highlighting the complexities of diplomatic immunity and the need for accountability.