Prominent car dealer and city socialite Matthew Musengezi defended himself in court against charges of causing a fatal accident.
Musengezi, who says he is not guilty, testified as his own main witness in Harare. The court will give its judgment next week.
Prosecutor Charlotte Chikoore said that on August 9, 2021, Musengezi was driving a Range Rover on Samora Machel Avenue in Harare. The State claims he sideswiped a Toyota Mark X, causing it to crash and kill passenger Gregory Zamba. Musengezi is also accused of not stopping after the accident, failing to report it within 24 hours, not helping at the scene, and not guarding the body.
In his defense, Musengezi described what happened that day. He said that as he drove near Rekai Tangwena and Rotten Row, he noticed another car driving erratically.
The road was dark in some spots due to broken street lights. Musengezi saw rubble and concrete slabs in the road and said the other car swerved to avoid them, hitting his car and then crashing.
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Musengezi claimed he stayed in his lane and did not cause the accident. He blamed the other driver for speeding and suggested the occupants were not wearing seat belts. He also hinted that the other driver might have been drunk or on drugs, celebrating Zamba’s birthday.
Musengezi said his car was not badly damaged and denied driving carelessly. He explained that he felt a bump but didn’t realize how serious the accident was, so he didn’t stop.
He also mentioned that he had been robbed before the accident and was worried about his safety and belongings. He contributed to Zamba’s funeral as a kind gesture, not because he felt guilty.
