By Harare, Zimbabwe – The grieving parents of an 11-year-old girl, who was allegedly killed in a road accident involving a US diplomat in Zimbabwe, have called for the diplomat to return to the country and personally apologize for the tragic incident.z
The accident, which occurred in June in the town of Dema, approximately 40 kilometers (24 miles) southeast of the capital, Harare, has left the family devastated and seeking closure.
The young victim, Ruvarashe Takamanyiwa, is believed to have been struck by a vehicle driven by the diplomat while she was on her way to school. Despite the diplomat’s diplomatic immunity, which protects him from prosecution, Ruvarashe’s parents believe that an apology might help them recover from their pain.
“We realize the US diplomat has diplomatic immunity, but an apology might help us recover from the pain and give us a sense of closure,” the family stated. A spokesperson for the US State Department told the BBC, “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the girl,” adding that the US Embassy in Harare is cooperating fully with local authorities. The embassy also expressed its recognition of the devastation caused by the accident, noting that it affected all involved.
Ruvarashe was walking to school with her best friend on that fateful Monday morning when she was hit by the car as she crossed the main road in Dema. Her mother, Juliana Vito, recounted how she learned about the accident from neighbors who ran to the scene. “I thought she was going to wake up. Till now I keep thinking it’s just a dream. I’m deeply hurt,” Vito told the BBC.
The diplomat involved in the accident was not present when Vito arrived at the crash site, and the family said they have not been contacted directly by the driver. However, the driver’s colleagues have apologized on his behalf, explaining that he was deeply affected by the incident. “He said he was really sorry,” Vito shared. “I wish he came directly so I could pour my heart out.”
Ruvarashe’s father, Silvester Takamanyiwa, told the BBC that they were given $2,000 by the US Embassy to help cover funeral expenses. The embassy spokesperson confirmed that the mission provided support to the family and that representatives attended the funeral to express their condolences. As the family continues to mourn the loss of their daughter, they remain hopeful that the diplomat will return to Zimbabwe to offer a personal apology, which they believe would help them find some peace in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy.
Source: bbc.com
