HARARE – Zimbabwe cricketer Tarisai Musakanda, once touted as a future captain of his country’s national team, has been convicted of culpable homicide and fined Z$30,000.
Musakanda appeared in court after being arrested for running over former Davis Cup player Gwinyai Chingoka who later died from his injuries two weeks later.
Chingoka was run over while crossing Simon Muzenda Avenue. It was alleged Musakanda later filed a police report on January 28 after the death of Chingoka. The post mortem done concluded that death was due to the accident.
In her ruling, Harare magistrate Evelyn Mushavakure said the accident was a result of negligence on the part of the accused.
She said the accused failed to take a proper look-out while driving since it was dark and raining, while the now deceased was wearing dark colours.
Mushavakure said imprisonment would be too harsh since the accused is already suffering from trauma, knowing that he caused the death of someone. She said a fine of $30 000 would be proper.
It was the State’s case that Musakanda failed to keep proper lookout of the road and hit a pedestrian Gwinyai Marcus Chingoka who was crossing Simon Vengai Muzenda due West.
The incident comes after Musakanda was in 2019 sacked by Australian club New City after he was convicted there for driving under the influence.
The batsman arrived at New City in October 2018 as the New South Wales club’s highest-profile signing in its history.
The Australian state of New South Wales had just introduced new drink-driving laws to tackle accidents and a rising death toll on the roads, with a zero tolerance rule for any range of drunk drivers.
In light of this, New City president Chris Green said the club had to take the strong stand to dismiss the gifted Zimbabwean following his conviction.
The former Marondera High, Watershed College and Prince Edward multi-talented prodigy – who is an all- round sportsman – has represented Zimbabwe in rugby at Under-19 level.
