The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that former policeman Jason Muvhevhi remains in a psychiatric hospital after two specialists determined he was mentally ill.
The NPA spokesperson, Ms Angeline Munyeriwa, confirmed that all investigations into the case have been completed. However, the trial is being delayed due to Muvhevhi’s ongoing mental health issues.
“Jason Muvevi was examined by two medical doctors and was committed to a psychiatric institution. Investigations were also completed and the matter will only proceed after he has been released from the psychiatric institution,” she said.
The accused allegedly committed the offences in Harare, Hwedza and Mutare.
Muvhevhi’s alleged crimes began in November 2022 when he shot and killed Nyarai Round at Clan Court in Eastlea, Harare. He then kidnapped Nyasha Eusen, forcing him into his car and driving to Huruyadzo Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza. Eusen managed to escape and reported the incident to the police.
In January 2023, Muvhevhi’s violent acts escalated. He allegedly arrived at Chrispen Kanerusine’s shrine, the leader of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu apostolic church in Hwedza, dressed in all black, against the church’s doctrine. He was given a white cloth to cover himself with and sat with other worshipers as Kanerusine delivered his sermon. He then went to his vehicle, which was parked close to the shrine, and came back with a pistol which he used to shoot the preacher once in the head.
After learning about the event, the Officer in Charge of Hwedza Police Station, Inspector Maxwell Hove, assembled his response team and went to the shrine to conduct an investigation. They met Muvhevhi along the Hwedza-Murambinda Highway and blocked his vehicle intending to confront him but he then started firing at them. He shot Hove three times in the head and the officer died on the spot. He also shot Constable Tendai Mugova in the stomach and on his pelvis, leaving him battling for his life in hospital.
Muvhevhi made a U-turn and drove towards Murambinda business centre where he shot and killed Munashe Munjani, after a brief chat with him.
On January 14, Muvhevhi went to Mutare Boys High School where he fired three shots at someone who had refused to give him food. He missed him on all the three occasions.
Muvevi then skipped the border and was later arrested in Mozambique.
