Online Reporter
Fidelis Chavarike
Post Reporter
A 33-year-old man – Trustworthy Paringira – was hauled to the Mutare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of kidnapping and assault.
Paringira appeared before magistrate Tendai Mahwe facing allegations of violating Section 93(1)(B) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 09:23) and Section 89(1)(a) of the Criminal Codification and Reform Act (Chapter 9:23), which criminalise kidnapping and assault, respectively.
Prosecutor Ms Sharon Mlambo said on April 28, Paringira took a two-year-old male juvenile from his parents’ residence in Westlea without lawful custody.
“Paringira, not being the lawful custodian of the child, deprived the child of his freedom. On the same day, he committed an assault by hitting Lincy Zimuto once on the chest with a clenched fist, intending to cause bodily harm or realising that there was a risk of bodily harm,” said Ms Mlambo.
It later emerged in court that the suspect has a history of mental illness.
Mr Mahwe ruled that Paringira would undergo treatment for mental illness at Chikurubi Psychiatric Hospital.
“The accused will receive treatment for his mental illness at Chikurubi Psychiatric Hospital and will be released once the doctors confirm that he is mentally fit,” he said.
