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A MUREWA man has been acquitted of murdering his grandfather by the High Court.
Learnmore Michael had been convicted of the 2021 murder of his grandfather, Christopher, by the magistrates’ court.
However, High Court judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi, found that Michael had acted in self-defence due to his mental state at the time of the incident.
However, the judge also recognised that Michael posed a risk to society and emphasised that he needed proper treatment and care.
“His behaviour remains unpredictable. It is not appropriate to have him discharged at this stage.
“As such it is directed that the accused (Michael) shall be returned to prison for transfer to an institution for purposes of treatment,” said the Judge.
The judge also acknowledged that mental illness runs deep in Michael’s family as evidence showed that his mother and sister live with mental illness.
During trial, Michael pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
It was the State’s case that on March 24, 2021, Michael went to Christopher’s house to ask for painkillers.
The State said his grandfather gave him snuff instead.
Michael then started hallucinating and asked his grandfather what had happened, but his grandfather denied giving him snuff.
They went to his grandfather’s brother, Phillip, to resolve the issue, but they didn’t find him.
It was alleged that the grandfather grabbed an axe and tried to strike Michael, and a fight started.
Michael overpowered his grandfather and briefly strangled him to immobilise him.
His grandfather lost consciousness and he tried to resuscitate him, but failed.
Online Reporter