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Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO man killed his neighbour’s 12-year-old son by stabbing him several times all over his body, claiming he heard strange voices that were ordering him to commit the crime, a court heard.
Justice Lawrence Kamocha heard this when Sikhumbuzo Moyo, 25, who suffers from mental illness and had previously been admitted at Ingutsheni Hospital, appeared before him yesterday charged with the murder of Josphat Mhere.
Justice Kamocha ordered Moyo sectioned under the Mental Health Act after finding that Moyo “could not be held legally responsible for the crime”.
The judge, relying on a medical report, said Moyo suffered from auditory hallucinations and delusions due to chronic schizophrenia, a mental disorder is often characterised by abnormal social behaviour and failure to recognise what is real.
“From the evidence in court, we’re satisfied that Moyo caused the death of Josphat. However, basing on the psychiatrist’s report, the court has concluded that Moyo was at the time of committing the crime suffering from a mental illness and he should therefore not be held legally responsible for the crime,” Justice Kamocha said.
“In terms of Section 25 of the Mental Health Act, Joseph is found not guilty due to insanity and accordingly should be returned to prison for further transfer to Mlondolozi Mental Institution for care and treatment as he is dangerous to society.”
Prosecuting, Angeline Munyeriwa said on December 31, 2012, shortly after 8PM, Moyo left his parents’ home in Njube on the pretext that he was going to Entumbane for a church service. As he was walking down the street, he spotted Josphat who was playing with other boys in the neighbourhood. He persuaded the boy to accompany him to church.
“As they walked towards a public toilet in Njube’s D-Square, Moyo pulled out a kitchen knife from his pocket and stabbed the boy several times all over his body and he collapsed and died,” said Munyeriwa.
The court heard that soon after committing the crime, Moyo fled the scene but was later apprehended.
Online Reporter