Graves vandal suspect undergoes mental exam

Yeukai Karengezeka Court Correspondent 

A suspect implicated in the desecration of over 83 graves at Warren Hills Cemetery has been remanded in custody for two more weeks pending his mental examination reports.

Gilbert Mukandatsimba (34), who is of no fixed abode, was charged with violating graves before Harare magistrate Ms Caroline Matanga.

The State made an application in terms of the Mental Health Act to have Mukandatsimba mentally examined by two doctors.

He was remanded in custody to May 16.

The complainant in the matter is the City of Harare, represented by Mr Takaukwa Taengwa.

The State alleges that on April 15, Taengwa was on patrol and the following day, he noted that 83 graves had their tombstones destroyed.

After having destroyed the tombstones, Mukandatsimba went into hiding.

The court heard on May 2 at around 10am, Mukandatsimba was then caught intending to destroy the grave of Mavis Mukandara.

The total damage to the graves was estimated at US$45 000 and nothing was recovered.