17-year-old gets 3 years for uncle murder

HIGH Court judge, Justice Naison Chivayo, has sentenced a 17-year-boy to three years in prison for the murder of his uncle, who had a cognitive disability.

Destiny Cooper, it was revealed, is a drug addict and had been sent back to Zimbabwe from South Africa by his mother as she was no longer able to control him. It was also revealed that his mother, in a letter, said he had violent tendencies.

Cooper, according to court documents, committed the crime on November 1, 2024 while at their place of residence at Katie Page’s homestead, Hlozamandla Village under Chief Sigola in Esigodini.

It was reported that he savagely attacked his uncle, who had a cognitive disability due to a drowning accident some years ago.

“They were preparing supper inside a kitchen hut when they had a misunderstanding over an undisclosed issue. As a result, the two engaged in a fist fight. The accused pushed the deceased against the wall, and the deceased fell,” read part of the court documents. “The accused kicked the deceased once in the ribs and hit him several times on the chest and back with fists. The accused only stopped assaulting the deceased when he pleaded for mercy.

“The deceased sustained bruises all over the body as a result of the assault.

“The deceased’s condition deteriorated on November 5, leading to his death on November 6. The accused person informed Martine Antoinettene Maud and the matter was reported to the police leading to his arrest,” reads the document.

Passing sentence, Justice Chivayo said the accused was not a suitable candidate to be released into society.

In his defence, Cooper who was represented by Miss Ashleigh Duri of Pundu and Company Legal practitioners, said he was a student and was enrolled at a school in the outskirts of Esigodini and presented a letter reportedly from the school.

Justice Chivayo said the fact that Cooper did not report that the deceased was ill shows he was unapologetic for his actions.

“He did not attempt to ensure the now deceased got medical attention. He also did not inform relatives until his death,” said Justice Chivayo.

He, however, said he took into account that Cooper was a young man.

“But you committed a serious offence. You caused the death of your uncle when you hit him against the wall. He was of ill health and could not defend himself,” said Justice Chivayo.

He said removing the accused from society for some time was the only appropriate punishment.

“You are therefore sentenced to three years imprisonment, but two years are suspended on condition of good behaviour,” said Justice Chivayo.

Cooper with therefore serve an effective one year in jail.