Online Reporter
Mutare Bureau
A RECKLESS driver, who drove his vehicle at excessive speed and hit and killed a 12-year-old girl last year, has been fined US$700.
Julius Katuruza, 49, of Plot 33 Tikwiri Farm Rusape, appeared before Rusape magistrate Tendai Mahwe, facing one count of culpable homicide.
Katuruza pleaded guilty to the offence.
Magistrate Mahwe sentenced him to pay a US$700 fine or spend eight months in prison.
A further eight months in prison were wholly set aside on condition that he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Katuruza, who was speeding, hit Beyonce Chibhadhura, who was crossing the road, and she died upon admission in hospital.
“On June 1 2025 at around 3.30pm the accused was driving a Nissan NP300 registration number ACC 7759 with two passengers on board along Rusape-Tsanzaguru road due west towards Tsanzaguru.
“On approaching the 15 km peg along the said road, the accused hit Beyonce Chibhadhura, a female juvenile aged 12 years, who was crossing the road southwards.
“Beyonce fell on the tarmac near the edges of the road. She sustained multiple injuries and died on admission at Rusape General Hospital.
“The accident vehicle stopped on the other side of the road facing the eastern direction.”
The prosecutor added: “The accused person’s vehicle sustained minor damages on the left fender and broke the headlamp.
“The motor vehicle was inspected by Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) Rusape. The VID report can be produced in court.
“The State will allege that Katuruza was negligent in one or more of the following, travelling at a speed which was excessive under the circumstances, failing to stop or act reasonably when the accident or collision was imminent and failing to keep proper lookout under the circumstances.”
