The family of an 11-year-old girl, Ruvarashe Takamhanya, who was allegedly killed by a US diplomat in a road accident in Zimbabwe, is pleading for him to return to the country and apologize to them in person. The accident occurred in June when Ruvarashe was on her way to school in Dema, a town near Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. The diplomat reportedly ran over her with his vehicle, and despite having diplomatic immunity, the girl’s parents believe an apology could help them heal from the loss and find some closure.
The US State Department expressed condolences to the family, acknowledging the tragedy and stating that the US embassy in Harare was cooperating with local officials. While the embassy has offered support, including attending the funeral and providing $2,000 to help with funeral costs, Ruvarashe’s parents feel abandoned in their grief. Her mother, Juliana Vito, said she was deeply hurt when she heard about the accident from neighbors and rushed to the scene, only to find that the driver had left and had not personally apologized.
Juliana, who described her daughter as sweet, intelligent, and full of potential, wishes the diplomat would come forward and allow her to express her feelings directly to him. Ruvarashe’s father, Silvester Takamhanya, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that they just want the driver to return and apologize. He also shared how much they hoped for their daughter’s future, as she dreamed of becoming an air hostess.
Zimbabwean officials have criticized the diplomat’s actions, noting that while he initially said he would cooperate with the investigation, he left the country soon after the accident.
Despite the anger, the government emphasized that this tragic incident should not affect diplomatic relations with the US, as they believe the crash was an unfortunate accident, not a deliberate act.
The family continues to struggle with their loss, with Ruvarashe’s mother describing her pain as unbearable, saying she feels like she is dying a little each day without her daughter. The family hopes that compensation might help, but more than anything, they long for the driver to return, face them, and say he is sorry.
This story, reported by BBC, highlights the emotional and personal impact of diplomatic immunity on victims’ families, and their desperate need for acknowledgment and closure.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3510kg5xdo