Murder: The worst form of crime

Luxson Chananda
MANY people have often wondered which one of all crimes is the worst. While some might think of crimes which cause proprietary loss, others regard those which breach the dignity of the person as the worst. On the other hand, there are crimes committed against the State that threaten the security of the nation. Are these worse than those perpetrated against the environment?

The answer is anyone’s to guess, but many might think the worst form of crime is that which takes away the precious gift of life i.e. murder. This crime does not give the victim a second chance to recover and make it in life.

Cases of murder have occurred in almost all parts of Manicaland. Although these vary in the way they are committed, the end result has always been the same old story. One more life lost.

Murder, simply put, is the unlawful killing of another person. A number of factors have given rise to the commission of the crime .These range from negligence on the part of the perpetrator (known as culpable homicide) to murder with actual intent. In all cases it is vital that we look at the causes and possible ways of preventing cases of murder.

Drunkenness
Excessive drinking of alcohol has caused many people to be irresponsible and engage in fights or assaults. They do not hesitate to use dangerous weapons such as knives, logs, stones or axes.

For this reason, bottle stores and other outlets that sell alcohol are required to close their premises according to stipulated times.

This prevents excessive drinking. It is an offence to operate after such times. The taking of dangerous drugs like mbanje has a high potential of stimulating weird behaviour in an individual. Dealing in, smoking or possession of dangerous drugs is prohibited and calls for harsh penalties at law.

Domestic disputes
Disputes within the confines of the family have resulted in fights where dangerous weapons are used either in a fit of fury or in self defence.

These disputes could be over issues to do with money, extra-marital affairs or general misunderstanding in the process of resolving affairs of both the nucleus and extended family. There have been cases where family members accused each other of witchcraft or for being responsible for some misfortune in the family. In one incident the victim was hacked to death in a most gruesome manner after being accused of refusing to take part in the reparation process of a vengeful spirit.

People must certainly learn to solve disputes amicably. This can be done by following appropriate traditional structures, seeking arbitration through relatives or even the intervention of the courts.

The Domestic Violence Act, enacted a few years back, has been handy in ensuring that violence within the family set-up is brought under control.

Discipline of children
Some parents have taken the act of disciplining children a little too far. Police have dealt with cases where a parent fatally assaults a child. While the law makes provision for parents to administer moderate corporal punishment for the control of children, parents and guardians of these children must know that it is criminal to inflict severe punishment that results in the injury or death of the child.

Perhaps the best thing to observe is never to chastise the child in the passion of anger but rather to do so as a corrective measure from a loving parent applied under the right frame of mind.

Instant justice
These is a growing tendency among citizens to severely assault a person who is caught attempting to commit or has committed a crime.

The police have always urged the public to mobilise each other and gang up against marauding criminals in their neighbourhood.

However, the punishment for the suspects after their apprehension should be a matter of the courts. Tables have always been turned where the person who could have been the complainant in one case now stands accused for the murder of the suspect.

There are people who have the excitement of joining in to assault a person because others are doing it (mob justice).

Very often it is the person who delivers the fatal blow who remains to face the consequences. As responsible citizens, we have to come to the help of each other in crime prevention, but once we apprehend criminals or suspected criminals, let us take them to the police so that the law can take its course.

In light of the above, the police would like to encourage the public to be responsible in the use of family finances and remain true to their marital obligations. It is the only way we can avoid situations where one partner throws caution to the wind and engage in murder.

Alcohol will abuse you if you abuse it. Avoid conflicts and other heated arguments when drunk. Remain sober even when drinking. Do not be known for violence.

Capital punishment (death sentence) is the maximum sentence in a case of murder.