Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro-Chief Court Reporter
THE murder trial of former police detective Jaison Muvevi closed with gripping testimonies from two State psychiatrists, who assessed his mental fitness amidst charges of four murders and four attempted murders.
Muvevi has pleaded not guilty, citing diminished responsibility.
Dr Simba Mazorodze testified that Muvevi exhibited “mild to moderate psychosis”.
He acknowledged inconsistencies in Muvevi’s account, recollections that shifted between his arrest in Mozambique and vague memories of incarceration, pointing to signs of mental illness.
However, pressed by the court, Dr Mazorodze conceded Muvevi understood the wrongfulness of his actions, evidenced by his escape to Mozambique after the killings.
Dr Blessing Dhoropa corroborated the diagnosis, stating Muvevi’s psychosis was not severe, though “fluid”, with moments of coherence interspersed with hallucinations.
“He spoke to his cellmates but was also seen conversing with himself,” Dr Dhoropa revealed.
When questioned on whether Muvevi could have fabricated his condition, Dhoropa explained proper psychiatric assessments, including interviews with those around him, ruled out deception.
Muvevi’s defence argued his actions were unprovoked, irrational and indicated severe mental disturbance.
Lawyer Ms Jackie Sande highlighted his bizarre behaviour after the killings.
“He kicked the bodies of his victims, showing no remorse or awareness.”
The defence claimed Muvevi was tormented by “goblins”, blaming this as the driving force behind the crimes.
The trial admitted testimony from 29 witnesses without objection from either side. Among the four victims were Inspector Maxwell Hove, shot three times, and prophet Chrispen Kanerusine, executed after a disagreement over a prophecy. Surviving victims included a detective and a school employee.
Prosecutors argued Muvevi’s killing spree spanning Harare, Wedza and Mutare over three months was deliberate and calculated.
They recounted how he seized officers’ firearms after murder and fled across borders, evading capture until his arrest in Mozambique.
The court must decide whether Muvevi is a cold-blooded killer or a man overcome by psychosis.
Judgment is expected after written submissions from both sides are reviewed by High Court judge Justice Gibson Mandaza and his assessors.
