Chillmaster’s court sentence divides victim’s family

DEATH, especially when it claims someone young, often creates tension and, in some instances, chaos within families.

This frequently occurs when relatives counter-accuse each other of causing the death, jostle for the deceased’s property or raise other related issues.

However, in the case of Custon Charambira, a 50-year-old pedestrian who tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident involving singer Chillmaster, born Gift Hombarume, it is a court ruling and preceding events that have ostensibly brought “disharmony” within the family.

Charambira died on April 9, along the new Chitungwiza Road, leaving behind his 38-year-old widow and two sons, aged 12 and 16.

Some family members feel Chillmaster literally got away with murder as his sentence was seemingly a slap on the wrist, especially considering that a life was lost in the accident.

To make matters worse, family members are accusing each other of seeking personal “financial gain” from the unfortunate incident.

Court verdict

Chillmaster received a fully suspended two-year jail sentence and was fined US$200 for the road traffic accident that claimed Charambira’s life.

Mbare magistrate Tatenda Mukurunge found the singer guilty of driving without a licence and slapped him with a US$200 fine.

For culpable homicide, he was sentenced to two years, with one year suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence within five years.

The remaining year was also suspended on condition he performs 420 hours of community service at Stoneridge Primary School in Harare.

In sentencing the musician, the court considered that Charambira’s family had already forgiven the musician, according to the victim impact statement.

The family testified that Chillmaster provided substantial support during the funeral.

The magistrate acknowledged this, including the fact that he was a first-time offender and had shown contrition and remorse.

Further, the court heard that the gifted singer pledged to provide cattle to appease avenging spirits (ngozi), according to cultural beliefs, as well as to support the education of the deceased’s children and provide monthly groceries until they finish school.

Friction

In court, a sister of the deceased said the musician had paid half the compensation they had agreed on and promised to settle the outstanding amount as soon as possible.

The family spokesperson, Andrew Chimedza, confirmed the family and the convicted singer had a gentleman’s agreement.

This decision, however, has infuriated some family members who feel justice was “not adequately” served.

Concerned family members argue there was need for a tougher (custodial) sentence.

Similarly, they fear Chillmaster will renege on his promise since there is no formal written agreement.

Chillmaster had not paid fees for the deceased’s children as promised by the time of going to print, arguing legal battles had financially drained him.

“Yes, there is nothing we can do about the court verdict. But what happens if he refuses to pay for the children’s school fees in the long run? There is no signed agreement between him and the family,” a family member, who elected to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter, said.

“Besides, the ruling was so disturbing for us. How can a person responsible for the death of a breadwinner, Custon, only get community service as punishment? We would not have agreed with some of the decisions made if we had an option.”

Some even questioned how the widow would manage to pay rent and meet the day-to-day financial needs of the children.

Inside sources revealed that family patriarchs made unilateral decisions without wide consultation, including seeking the widow’s opinions.

Chimedza, however, allayed these fears, arguing that everything was under control.

“We had a mutual agreement because we have not had any problems with him after the incident. His family is cooperating. If he is ever to deny or renege on any of this, it is up to him. We will simply leave everything to God since we negotiated with them in good faith. Accidents do happen, and from the start, we forgave him for everything that happened,” he said.

When contacted for comment by The Sunday Mail Entertainment, the “Horror” hitmaker said he was not yet ready to comment on the issue.

“I am currently not ready to speak about that (accident) just yet, but I truly appreciate your support and understanding. Perhaps we can connect another time when the moment feels right,” said Chillmaster.

He even declined to talk about his recently released single, “Ndaremerwa”, which seemingly addresses the accident.

In the new track, Chillmaster appears to be sharing his thoughts.

The track serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the guilt currently gripping the singer.

Singing, he questions God about why this has happened to him.

“Sei zvauya nekwandiri?” a part of the song loosely translates to “Why me, God?”

He further sings about suffering in his dreams and mentions the pain of judgement from friends, highlighting the added burden of criticism from those he expected to support him.

“Nhamo yangu yakatanga futi, misodzi inobuda igowoma futi. Sei zvauya nekwandiri, Mwari? Dai makanyevera wakuwoma muti. Ndaedza asi mupfungwa hazvichabude. Angoda ari kungonditi wakauraya, aiganza takazvitaura,” he sings in the first verse.

The lyrics reveal a profound sense of isolation and regret as he navigates not only the guilt of the accident but also the strain on his relationships.

However, some critics have accused him of using the new song to gain attention and sympathy.

Besides the single, released soon after the accident, the singer last week posted an image of himself dressed in prison attire, behind bars, on social media.

Some considered the timing inappropriate and the artistic choice to be in bad taste.

“I do not think this is necessary. You were found guilty of driving without a licence and culpable homicide, walked away with a fine and community service, now this?” commented Takudzwa Muzamindo on the picture.

A netizen, identified only as Bae Xarmie, launched a scathing critique, stating: “Chillmaster must stop making this all about himself while the deceased’s family is grieving. You are using your talent the wrong way. What about the deceased’s family? Now you are making money out of it because people are sympathising with you.”

Others are expressing sympathy and wishing him well.

“I cannot even begin to imagine the weight you must be carrying right now. Please know that this tragic accident does not define your heart or your intentions.

“May you find peace in knowing you are not alone and that your light can still bring hope to others, even in the darkest times. My deepest condolences to the affected family,” wrote Hatiperi Wacho.

The singer has been performing well online, particularly on YouTube, where his work has garnered millions of views, outperforming even seasoned artistes.

In the aftermath of the accident, Chillmaster asked for forgiveness and expressed profound sorrow over the incident. Herald