By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
A Budiriro woman has been sentenced to an effective nine months in prison for culpable homicide following a fatal road accident, sparking debate over sentencing consistency in similar cases.
Martha Tongwe (38) was convicted at the Mbare Magistrates’ Court after she was found guilty of negligently causing the death of a pedestrian in Budiriro 4 on 1 June 2025. She was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, with three months suspended for five years, leaving her to serve nine months behind bars.
The court heard that Tongwe, who did not possess a valid driver’s licence, lost control of a Honda CRV she was driving along Cabs Road. The vehicle struck a pedestrian, who later died at Sally Mugabe Hospital from fatal head injuries.
Magistrates ruled that Tongwe acted negligently by driving at excessive speed, failing to maintain proper lookout, and not reacting reasonably when the accident occurred. Her conduct was deemed unlawful and directly responsible for the pedestrian’s death.
However, the ruling has reignited comparisons with a separate case involving popular musician Chillmaster, who was also convicted of culpable homicide earlier this year under similar circumstances. Despite being found guilty of negligent driving that resulted in a fatality, Chillmaster was sentenced to community service instead of imprisonment.
Observers argue that the contrasting outcomes raise questions about equality before the law. Civil society groups and some members of the public have voiced concerns that high-profile individuals may be receiving more lenient treatment compared to ordinary citizens.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), in its latest bulletin, stressed that reckless driving and operating vehicles without licences are criminal acts that endanger lives. It reiterated its commitment to road safety and to ensuring that justice is served fairly and consistently.
Road safety advocates have since called for sentencing guidelines to be applied uniformly, regardless of social status, warning that inconsistent punishments risk undermining public confidence in the justice system.