Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Reporter
THE trial of Jaison Muvevi, accused of killing four people, has been postponed to Wednesday to allow both the defence and State counsel to review the case and resolve several issues before proceeding.
Muvevi’s trial was commencing following medical evaluations that confirmed he was fit to face the charges. In addition to the murder charges, he also faces four counts of attempted murder.
The trial had been delayed after Muvevi of Ruzani Village, Hwedza, was sent to Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit in 2023 due to suspected mental instability.
High Court judge Justice Gibson Mandaza is presiding over the trial.
Prosecutors allege that Muvevi went on a three-month shooting spree across Harare, Hwedza, and Mutare, killing four people and attempting to kill four others. The victims who died are Nyarai Round, Chrispen Kanerusine, Inspector Maxwell Hove, and Munashe Majani. The survivors include a police detective and a Mutare Boys High School employee.
The shootings allegedly began on November 19, 2022, with the killing of Round in Eastlea, Harare. The motive is unknown.
On January 13, 2023, Muvevi allegedly killed three more people in a few hours. Prosecutors say the first victim that day was Kanerusine, a prophet in Wedza. Muvevi allegedly shot him in the head after disagreeing with a prophecy.
Police confronted Muvevi in Matsine, blocking his vehicle. Muvevi allegedly shot at them. Inspector Hove, who was unarmed, was shot three times and died. Muvevi allegedly also shot Detective Constable Tendai Mugova, who survived despite being hit three times.
Muvevi took the officers’ guns, returned to his vehicle, and fled. He is accused of later killing Majani, a bartender, at Murambinda Business Centre. The reason for this killing is unclear.
Muvevi was arrested in Mozambique on January 15, 2023, and extradited to Zimbabwe.
