Veteran broadcaster Tichafa Augustine Matambanadzo, better known as Tich Mataz, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with culpable homicide following the death of a pedestrian in Harare in 2024.
Matambanadzo, 56, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai.
He was summoned to court and bail did not arise. The matter was remanded to May 19 for commencement of trial.
Prosecutor Charlotte Gomani alleged that on July 27, 2024, Matambanadzo was driving a Toyota Hilux westbound along Samora Machel Avenue with three passengers on board when he struck a pedestrian near Odzi Flats in Eastlea.
The deceased, Daniel Uchena, 44, was walking southward along the road when the vehicle struck him with its front right fender. Uchena fell onto the tarmac and sustained multiple internal injuries, though no visible external wounds were apparent.
He was taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where he was certified dead on admission.
Matambanadzo’s vehicle sustained damage to the front right bumper and a shattered windscreen.
The National Prosecuting Authority alleges that Matambanadzo was negligent, having failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop or take reasonable evasive action when a collision was imminent, and was driving at an excessive speed.
