Online Reporter
Weekender Reporter
A MALE psychiatric nurse based at Rusape General Hospital has found himself in serious trouble after administering three injections that allegedly led to the death of a suspected violent drug addict at home.
These medications — diazepam, chlorpromazine and flunitrazepam (FD) — should only be administered under medical supervision, with a valid prescription and in a controlled environment.
It remains unclear whether the patient had undergone a medical examination by a doctor and received a prescription, or if there was a traceable medical history, such as medical records, that could have informed the prescription of the three drugs.
The nurse was allegedly hired by the addict’s mother, who was under pressure to address her son’s behaviour to stabilise him at their home in Vengere, without the knowledge or clearance of his hospital superiors.
Nurses are prohibited from treating patients outside a hospital setting, as even a minor mistake can have catastrophic repercussions.
This policy is in place to ensure patient safety and prevent adverse outcomes.
Pius Muzirecho (50), of Tsanzaguru suburb was allegedly hired by Nancy Mapa (55), of Vengere to treat her now late son, Ropafadzo Tendai Chokururama (26) who was intoxicated and violent.
Chokururama was allegedly a well-known victim of drug and substance abuse.
Muzirecho allegedly administered three injections to Chokururama, who immediately fell unconscious and never regained consciousness until his death the following day.
This prompted Mapa to report Muzirecho to the police, who subsequently charged him with murder.
The victim’s body was transferred to Harare for pathological tests to determine the cause of death.
In suspected murder cases, pathological tests determine the cause and manner of death.
These tests include toxicology screens, histopathology and forensic analysis of tissues and fluids.
They identify potential poisons, drugs or substances contributing to death, providing critical evidence to aid investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the death.
Muzirecho, who spent the weekend in police cells, was temporarily released on Monday after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) at Rusape Magistrates’ Court declined to charge him with murder and instead directed the police to prefer a more competent charge.
By the time of going to Press, the police had yet to prefer new a charge against Muzirecho, who is being represented by Mr Tendai Bvuma, of Bvuma and Associates.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest of Muzirecho, a mental health nurse at Rusape General Hospital, who allegedly injected Chokururama with the three drugs — diazepam, chlorpromazine and flunitrazepam (FD).
Experts said diazepam treats anxiety and insomnia, chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic for schizophrenia and severe nausea, and flunitrazepam (FD) is a potent benzodiazepine for severe insomnia.
“On June 19, 2025, around 7pm, Chokururama, who had a history of drug and substance abuse since 2020, returned home intoxicated and violent. His mother, Mapa, locked him in his room. The following day, June 20, 2025, around 2.30pm, Mapa realised that Chokururama’s condition had not improved and sought medical assistance from the accused. Muzirecho visited Mapa’s residence and administered the drugs — diazepam (10mg), chlorpromazine (100mg), and FD (25mg). Chokururama allegedly became unconscious after the treatment and was left locked in his room for the night.
“On June 21, 2025, around 5am, Mapa checked on Chokururama and found him still unconscious. She went to Rusape Central Business District (CBD) to buy foodstuffs and returned home around 4pm. Upon checking on Chokururama again, she discovered that he had no signs of life and reported the incident to ZRP Rusape Central. Police attended the scene and conveyed Chokururama’s body to Rusape General Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Muzirecho was subsequently arrested,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Rusape General Hospital medical superintendent, Dr Stewart Karembo said the hospital is now involved in the matter. Dr Karembo said Muzirecho did not inform his superiors about his outside work activities.
“The employee in question reported the case to us after his release from court. He was not on official duty. Investigations and disciplinary procedures will commence soon. We are currently seeking guidance from our legal department at the head office,” said Dr Karembo.
