A former police officer accused of murdering four people and attempting to kill two others is now claiming he has mental health problems, according to his lawyer.
Jaison Muvevi, who faces four counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, recently appeared virtually in court for a routine remand hearing.
Muvevi’s lawyer, Blessed Matandira, told the court that his client is incoherent and exhibiting mental problems. Matandira said Muvevi needs to be evaluated by a psychiatrist.
The magistrate granted the request for a mental examination and remanded Muvevi in custody until June 9. Muvevi is accused of some horrific crimes:
- Shooting and killing Nyarai Round in Harare in November
- Killing church leader Chrispen Kanerusine in Hwedza in January
- Murdering Inspector Maxwell Hove, an officer-in-charge of Hwedza police, also in January
- Killing barman Munashe Majani in Hwedza
- Attempting to kill police officer Tendai Mugova in Hwedza
- Attempting to shoot Raphael Nyahwema at a school in Mutare
After the attacks, Muvevi reportedly fled across the border into Mozambique but was arrested there and sent back to Zimbabwe. The outcome of the psychiatric evaluation of Muvevi is still pending.
