Luxury Range Rover cars, lavish parties, now languishing in prison: The rise and fall of Harare mbinga Matthew Musengezi

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The life of Matthew Musengezi, a prominent car dealer and Harare socialite, has taken a dramatic turn, exchanging the glitz and glamour of his jet-setting lifestyle for the stark reality of a remand prison.

Musengezi, once a familiar figure on Harare’s social scene, known for his penchant for luxury cars, designer clothes, and lavish parties, now finds himself facing the grim prospect of a culpable homicide conviction. His trial, which concluded on Wednesday, has left the city buzzing with whispers of his fall from grace, H-Metro has reported.

The image of Musengezi, clad in the standard khaki prison attire, his face etched with the weariness of a week spent in confinement, stands in stark contrast to the charismatic and flamboyant figure he once presented to the world.

His journey from humble beginnings in Zengeza, Chitungwiza, where he excelled as a marathon runner, to the heights of his socialite status, was a whirlwind of ambition and achievement. A trip to the United States, where he pursued his “American Dream,” transformed him from a promising young athlete into a stylish and successful entrepreneur.

Upon his return to Zimbabwe, Musengezi embraced the fast lane, flaunting his wealth and success with an almost insatiable appetite. His social media platforms became a showcase of his lavish lifestyle, filled with images of him sporting designer labels, cruising in luxury vehicles, and enjoying the finer things life had to offer.

From Gucci boutiques in New York to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Musengezi documented his travels, leaving a digital trail of his opulent existence. He even proudly displayed his presence at Jay-Z concerts, a symbol of his access to the world’s elite.

But on August 9, 2021, his life took a tragic turn. Prosecutors allege that Musengezi, while driving his Range Rover along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare, negligently side-swiped a Toyota Mark X, registration number AFA 6271. The impact caused the Toyota to veer off the road, spin several times, and tragically, a passenger, Gregory Zamba, who was sitting on the passenger seat, died on the spot.

The State alleges that Musengezi failed to stop after the accident, failed to report it within 24 hours, and did not render assistance or guard the corpse.

In his defence, Musengezi claimed he was not at fault, shifting the blame to the driver of the other car. He stated that the Toyota swerved into his lane to avoid colliding with some rubble and, in doing so, clipped his vehicle, causing it to lose control.

The court will now deliberate on the evidence presented and deliver its verdict next week. The weight of the law hangs heavy over Musengezi, who faces the possibility of a prison sentence.

The stark reality of his situation is a stark contrast to the life he once led. The world of Las Vegas, Hollywood, Gucci, and Jay-Z concerts has been replaced by the confines of a prison cell. The designer clothes have been exchanged for prison garb, and the music he once enjoyed has been silenced.