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Robson Sharuko
Editor
PROMINENT car dealer Matthew Musengezi, who is also a city socialite, has spent the last week in remand prison, on trial for culpable homicide, in what represents a dramatic turnaround for his life.
The trial ended on Wednesday and judgment will be delivered next week.
Musengezi, who has pleaded not guilty, testified as the star witness in his defence case.
The image of Musengezi, in his khaki prison attire, clearly looking worn down by a week spent in remain prison, is in sharp contrast to the smart party boy, who flew around the world wearing Gucci and Giorgio Armani, having the time of his life.
He grew up in humble surroundings in Zengeza in Chitungwiza where he excelled, during his school days, as an outstanding marathon runner.
A trip to the United States changed his life dramatically and the Matthew Musengezi, who left to chase his American Dream, and the one who returned home, were two different people.
The Musengezi who returned home was a stylish young man, with a love affair with the latest models of fast cars and wild parties were the most expensive champagne was downed.
When Jay-Z was in town for a concert in the United States, Musengezi would get a ticket and splash it on his social media platforms.
He also proudly showed the public the footprints of the places he visited around the world – whether it was shopping at Gucci, in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand or having a quiet time for himself in a suite at JW Marriot in Dubai.
Of course, that quiet time would not be complete without him showing an expensive watch to complete the package of the big time, and fast lane, in which he was now living.
Then, he would also show himself in Hollywood, walking down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the legendary entertainment stars have their names stored for life.
Fast cars – a Range Rover here, a Lamborghini there – were all part of his global personal show and if Musengezi popped up in Washington D.C. he would make sure everyone would see it.
Then, on August 9, 2021, everything changed.
Prosecutors allege Musengezi negligently drove his Range Rover and side swiped another car, a Toyota Mark X, registration number AFA 6271, along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare.
The Toyota Mark X veered off the road, spun several times and a passenger, Gregory Zamba, who was sitting on the passenger seat, died on the spot.
After the accident, the State claims that Musengezi failed to stop, failed to report the accident, within 24 hours, ascertain or render assistance and neither did he guard the corpse.
In his defence, Musengezi told the court he was not to blame for the accident and, instead, shifted the blame on the driver of the other car.
He said the other car swerved into his lane, presumably as a last-gap measure to avoid collision with some rubble and, without due care, subtly clipped the rear right end part of his vehicle, before it lost control and collided with the heap of rubble and concrete slab.
He faces a long wait to know whether he will be convicted and, if that happens, if he will go to prison.
It’s a different world there from Las Vegas, Hollywood, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and a ticket to watch Jay-Z in concert.
Even the clothes are different. And, so is the music – there is no Jay-Z in prison.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter
