Toddler Dies After Being Run Over by Neighbour’s Car in Mutare

Parked vehicle safety awareness near children

A one-year-old toddler has died after being run over by a neighbour’s vehicle in the Hobhouse suburb of Mutare in a tragic accident that has left the community in shock. The child, Munashe Maveneka, aged one year and four months, was reportedly struck by a car on March 2 while playing outside her home.

Acting Zimbabwe Republic Police Manicaland spokesperson Assistant Inspector Chinyoka confirmed that a culpable homicide case has been opened against the driver as investigations continue.

“I can confirm a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on March 2 in Hobhouse suburb, Mutare, where a one-year-four-month-old toddler died after being run over by a vehicle,” said Chinyoka.

Police said the driver, Simon Tatira (25), had parked his Honda Fit along an unnamed road in the Hobhouse suburb while speaking to a friend. During the roughly five-minute stop, the toddler reportedly crawled from her family home while following her mother, who had gone to a neighbour’s house. Unbeknownst to the driver, the child ended up underneath the parked vehicle. When Tatira eventually drove off, the left rear wheel ran over the toddler.

“As he moved the vehicle, the left rear wheel ran over the toddler,” Chinyoka said.

The driver reportedly stopped immediately after realising he had struck something and discovered the child lying motionless on the ground.

The toddler was rushed to St Joseph's Mission Hospital for emergency treatment. However, medical staff pronounced her dead on arrival. Police said the vehicle involved in the incident has since been taken to the Vehicle Examination Department for inspection as part of ongoing investigations. Authorities indicated that Tatira is expected to face culpable homicide charges in connection with the fatal accident.

Following the tragedy, police urged motorists to exercise extra caution when driving in residential areas where young children may be present.

“Small children can easily move around unnoticed and such tragic incidents can occur,” Chinyoka said.

He also urged parents and guardians to closely supervise toddlers near roads and parked vehicles to prevent similar incidents.

Mutare toddler run over by car