Grieving Family Pleads for US Diplomat's Personal Apology After Fatal Accident

The family of Ruvarashe Takamhanya, an 11-year-old girl allegedly killed by a US diplomat in Zimbabwe, is seeking a personal apology from the diplomat involved.

The incident occurred in June when Ruvarashe was struck by a vehicle driven by the diplomat while on her way to school in Dema, a town near Harare. Despite acknowledging the diplomat's immunity, the family believes a face-to-face apology would aid in their grieving process. The US State Department has expressed condolences and stated that the Harare embassy is cooperating with local authorities. However, the family's distress is palpable, particularly due to the diplomat's absence from the crash site and lack of direct communication. Ruvarashe's mother Juliana Vito describes her anguish upon learning of the accident and her disappointment with the indirect apology provided by the diplomat's colleagues.

The incident has raised significant concerns about diplomatic immunity and accountability. While the US embassy provided financial support for funeral arrangements and attended the service, the family feels abandoned in their grief. Ruvarashe's parents fondly remember their daughter as a sweet, kind, and intelligent child. The investigation into the incident has been complicated by the diplomat's departure from Zimbabwe shortly after the accident. This has led to criticism from Zimbabwe's presidential spokesman George Charamba who suggests that the diplomat's actions have transformed his status from diplomat to fugitive.

In a measured response to the BBC, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana has emphasised that the Vienna Convention, which underpins diplomatic immunity, confers both privileges and responsibilities upon those it protects. Mangwana expresses deep regret over the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a Zimbabwean citizen's life. He underscores the government's expectation that all parties involved would act responsibly, not only by adhering to the host country's laws but also by providing appropriate support to the victim's family. The US State Department, through its spokesperson, has affirmed the embassy's commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with local law enforcement and officials throughout the ongoing investigation.

Mangwana further clarifies the government's stance, stating that while they do not believe the diplomat harboured any malicious intent, the incident remains a deeply unfortunate accident, irrespective of the diplomat's level of culpability. The tragedy has profoundly affected Ruvarashe's family, particularly her parents, who face daily struggles and had harboured great aspirations for their daughter's future. Mr Takamhanya, Ruvarashe's father, fondly recalls her passion for education and her dream of becoming a flight attendant.

Ruvarashe's mother, Ms Vito, who had discontinued her own education upon becoming pregnant with her only child, conveys her overwhelming sense of loss, saying "I still can't believe she is gone. She was my only child. I thought she was going to take care of me one day,"