Top musician Chillmaster escapes prison with a fine and community service

PROMINENT artist Gift Hombarume popularly known as Chillmaster has escaped jail with a US$200 fine and community service following his conviction for running over a pedestrian with his vehicle.

Chill Master was handed a wholly suspended jail term by Mbare Magistrate Tatenda Mukurunge after a full trial.

The magistrate fined him US$200 for driving without a driver’s licence and two years for culpable homicide.

One year was then suspended on condition of good behaviour while the remaining 22 months were suspended on condition that he performs 420 hours of community service at Stoneridge Primary School.

The musician caused the death of Custon Charumbira last month after hitting him with his vehicle.

While pleading for leniency, the celebrity artist undertook to take care for the family left behind by Charumbira.

He also undertook to send Charumbira’s children to school until they complete their education.

“The family, through Lucia Charumbira, said he has undertaken to pay beasts to avoid avenging spirits. He undertook to send the deceased’s children to school and also buy her monthly groceries,” said the magistrate in handing down her sentence.

In the victim impact statement, the family of the deceased begged the court not to give the musician a custodial sentence noting that they have already forgiven him.

The family also said Charumbira was going through stressful moments such that he could have failed to see the car that was approaching him.

Lucia said Chillmaster helped the family with almost everything to cover the now deceased’s funeral, including ferrying mourners from Harare to Zaka, his rural home. NewZimbabwe