US Diplomat flees Zimbabwe after killing 11 year old girl
By Kwedu News
A United States of America (USA) Embassy diplomat recently fled Zimbabwe, citing diplomatic immunity, after allegedly killing a 11-year-old girl in a car accident.
The diplomat, Eric Kimpton who is US Embassy’s Second Secretary, was involved in a fatal accident on the 3rd of June 2024 in Dema, south of the Zimbabwean capital Harare, killing the minor, Ruvarashe Takamhanya.
Kimpton is said left Zimbabwe woth his family within 24 hours to avoid detention, claiming that he was traumatized and needed counselling, leaving the victim’s grief stricken family seeking answers and closure.
Zimbabwean authorities have expressed outrage over Kimpton’s conduct, with Deputy Chief Secretary to the Zimbabwean President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba, stating that Kimpton behaviour makes him a fugitive and the country will pursue justice for the minor.
“The behavior of diplomats must be consistent with the dignity of their profession and the expectations of the Vienna Convention,” Charamba said.
“When a diplomat is involved in a fatal traffic accident and uses the pretext of counseling to avoid prosecution, they move from being a diplomat to a fugitive.”
The US Embassy has invoked diplomatic immunity to prevent Kimpton’s prosecution in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe, however, may declare Kimpton a persona non grata, or a person not wanted in the country, if Washington refuses to waive his immunity to account for his crime.
The incident has sparked debate about diplomatic immunity and its limitations. While some countries shield their officials from prosecution, others waive the immunity in cases of serious crimes.
Police National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the killing, adding that Kimpton’s absence is stalling investigations.
He had promised to return after two weeks on his way out of the country and never did.
The Zimbabwean government is seeking justice for the victim’s family and is exploring all options to bring Kimpton to account for his actions.
