By Cordilia Ncube

A 31-year-old Kwekwe motorist, Tinopiwa Michael Chiunda, has been fined US$400 after pleading guilty to causing the death of a pedestrian, Chinos Dzinoreva, in a high-speed accident along Hospital Road in Newtown, Kwekwe.

The fatal incident occurred on 27 March 2025 at around 1800 hours, when Chiunda, who was driving a Toyota Fortuner, struck Dzinoreva, resulting in the pedestrian sustaining severe head and chest injuries. Dzinoreva died on the spot.

Chiunda appeared before Magistrate Naison Dhambuza, where he admitted to the charge. The court ordered him to pay the fine or face a four-month jail term if he defaults.

In mitigation, the court heard that Chiunda had taken responsibility by covering all transport costs for the deceased’s body from Kwekwe to Silobela, where Dzinoreva was laid to rest. He also provided food for the funeral and compensated the deceased’s family with US$3,500, equivalent to the value of seven beasts.