US Embassy Official Flees Zimbabwe After Running Over and Killing 11-Year-Old Girl
A US Embassy official, Eric Kimpton, is at the center of a diplomatic storm after allegedly running over and killing an 11-year-old Zimbabwean girl, Ruvarashe Takamhanya.
The incident occurred in Dema, a peri-urban area south of Harare, on June 3. Ruvarashe Takamhanya tragically died on the scene due to the impact of the speeding vehicle.
Kimpton, the US Embassy Second Secretary, reportedly fled the country less than 24 hours after the accident.
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Diplomatic Immunity and Departure
According to the Herald, Kimpton, invoked diplomatic immunity, left Zimbabwe with his family, citing trauma and the need for counseling services.
In his statement to the police, he indicated that he would return to Zimbabwe within two weeks. However, till now, he has not come back.
Police Confirm Accident
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident and the lack of progress in the case.
As a result of his departure, the police have been unable to complete the necessary documentation and formalities required to proceed with the investigation.
“The police who attended the scene were told that he needed a period to rest, but were told later he was no longer in the country. The documentation process hasn’t been completed and the matter is still before the police because we could not proceed with the formalities in his absence. It appears he is no longer coming back to Zimbabwe,” Nyathi said.
The police have filed a case against Kimpton following his failure to appear for questioning.
Government Response
George Charamba, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) voiced strong criticism of the situation.
Charamba emphasized that the country will not tolerate any foreign diplomat avoiding accountability after causing harm.
“No one, from whichever country or continent, is allowed to spill innocent Zimbabwean blood and get away with it. The behavior of diplomats must be consistent with the dignity of their profession but also with the expectations of the Vienna Convention,” Charamba stated.
George Charamba emphasized that Zimbabwe will use all available means to ensure justice is served.
“When a diplomat is involved in a fatal traffic accident, uses the pretext of counseling, which he thinks is only available in his country, and then decides to stay away from the police, he or she moves from being a diplomat to a fugitive and there are adequate instruments which Zimbabwe can summon to bring that diplomat to account. We will do precisely that,” he declared
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