By Albert Andiseni-Mashingaidze
In a dramatic turn of event Farai Mahwindi aged 30 years of Magama village under Chief Nemangwe was acquitted of murder in 2018 due to mental instability, appeared before the high court on 25 September 2024 facing another murder charge.
Farai Mahwindi (30) who has a history of mental health issues was previously found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2018 murder case of his relative.
He was subsequently committed to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.
However on Wednesday 25 September 2024 Justice Munamato Mutevedzi ruled that Farai Mahwindi (30) was fit to stand trial for the latest murder charge which stems from an incident on the 13th February 2024 this year.
Prosecutor MS Loyce Matanda Moyo presented evidence that Farai Mahwindi had intentionally killed Zvirengwi Manyaredzi by striking the deceased on the head with a hoe handle and cutting her breast throwing it in the fire intending to kill her.
Defense attorney argued that Farai Mahwindi mental condition had relapsed due to lack of access to proper treatment and medication.
The court heard that Farai Mahwindi had stopped taking his medication and had shown signs of paranoia and aggression in the months leading up to the incident“ Justice Munamato Mutevedzi in her ruling stated that “while the accused‘s mental health issues are a concern the court cannot ignore the severity of the crime committed.
The accused will be remanded in custody pending transfer to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
The case has sparked debate about Zimbabwe‘s mental health care system and the balance between punishment and rehabilitation.
