396 drivers charged with culpable homicide

By Freeman Razemba

At least 396 drivers in Zimbabwe are being charged with culpable homicide after being involved in accidents that killed 630 people during the first four months of this year. Last year, 564 drivers were charged.

A total of 552 people were killed in road accidents last year. Said acting national police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Luckmore Chakanza: “This year we have a total of 396 drivers facing culpable homicide charges.

“Some have been convicted while others have their cases pending at the courts.” He said this year, 10 895 accidents have been recorded with 5 171 people being injured. Most of the accidents have been attributed to human error, speeding, overtaking errors, negligent driving and tyre bursts.

Last year, 4 939 people were injured in 9 737 accidents that were recorded countrywide. Asst Insp Chakanza said this year there have been more accidents and deaths compared to last year.

At its core, the term “culpable homicide” refers to an unlawful killing which is not classified as murder due to the evil intention of killing being absent. It is a term used in Scottish law and among several places and countries where the English Common Law system of justice is administered.

It is equitable to the term manslaughter.