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Herald Reporter
Zimbabweans have been outraged by the conduct of a US diplomat who allegedly ran over and killed an 11-year-old girl and immediately left for his home country.
Mr Eric Kimpton, the US Embassy Second Secretary, allegedly ran over Ruvarashe Takamhanya in Dema, a sprawling peri-urban area south of Harare on June 3, and left the country barely 24 hours after the tragic accident, with the minor’s parents still grief-stricken and seeking answers.
The conduct has been widely condemned by local citizens with some taking to their social media platforms to vent their anger.
Posting on his X account, Brian Tatenda Mangwende described the incident as sickening behaviour which must be condemned.
“Same happened in UK when a US diplomat driving on the wrong side of the road crushed and killed a biker, claimed immunity and left the country. Sickening behaviour,” Mangwende posted.
Another social media user, Anders said: “Read something similar. It took years for that family to get justice. Happened UK though. Awful.”
Mr Andrew Moyounazvo said it was embarrassing to see a powerful nation like US committing crimes with impunity and hiding behind immunity.
“We do not expect top officials to behave like criminals. People should simply respect the laws of other countries, and when accused of a crime, it is the duty of our courts to determine innocence or guilt.”
Ms Cleopatra Magwenzi said there was no point in fleeing the country, adding that US should lead by example.
“Just imagine if he were a Zimbabwean diplomat in the US, what could have happened and how other nations would have responded?
“I urge the Embassy to promptly provide compensation to the affected family. Although no amount can replace a life, compensation will help bring closure and some measure of justice to the family.”
Online Reporter