Muvevi’s murder trial has begun, with the defence claiming he was mentally ill and haunted by goblins. The State alleges he carried out a shooting spree that killed four people across three locations. The court will hear psychiatric evidence before deciding on his criminal responsibility.
The trial of former police detective Jaison Muvevi, accused of four murders and four attempted murders, began yesterday at the High Court, where he claimed he was haunted by goblins at the time of the alleged offences.
Muvevi appeared before Justice Gibson Mandaza, sitting with assessors Mr Temba Kuwanda and Mr Hossiah Mujaya, as the court formally heard the charges against him. The proceedings opened with both the State and defence agreeing to admit evidence from 29 witnesses without objection, along with all exhibits presented.
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The State indicated it would call only one witness, the doctor who conducted Muvevi’s psychiatric evaluation. Following the outline of the State’s case, Muvevi’s lawyer, Ms Jackie Sande, presented the defence.
Ms Sande told the court that her client was suffering from mental illness when the alleged crimes occurred. She stated that witnesses confirmed Muvevi appeared restless and claimed he was being haunted by goblins on the dates of the incidents, except for two counts.
The defence argued that the attacks were unprovoked, carried out in broad daylight, and took place in front of bystanders, including Muvevi’s mother, who was reportedly praying at a shrine. Ms Sande also described his behaviour after the incidents, saying he showed no awareness of his actions and kicked the bodies of some victims.
The court heard that after his arrest, Muvevi was examined by State doctors who diagnosed him with mental illness. He was then detained at Chikurubi psychiatric unit, where he reportedly received treatment for three years.
The defence submitted that Muvevi was not aware of his actions and could not recall the events. They asked the court to consider a verdict of not guilty by reason of mental illness, citing his diagnosis and behaviour at the time.
Prosecutors, however, allege that Muvevi carried out a three-month shooting spree across Harare, Hwedza and Mutare between November 2022 and January 2023. The victims who died were Nyarai Round, Chrispen Kanerusine, Inspector Maxwell Hove and Munashe Majani. Survivors include a police detective and a Mutare Boys High School employee.
According to the State, the incidents began on November 19, 2022, with the killing of Round in Eastlea, Harare. On January 13, 2023, Muvevi allegedly killed three more people within hours, including Kanerusine, a prophet in Wedza, following a disagreement over a prophecy.
The court also heard that police later confronted Muvevi in Matsine, where he allegedly opened fire, killing Inspector Hove and injuring Detective Constable Tendai Mugova. He is accused of taking the officers’ firearms, fleeing, and later killing Majani at Murambinda business centre.
Muvevi was arrested in Mozambique on January 15, 2023, and extradited to Zimbabwe. The trial was adjourned to Monday, when the psychiatrist is expected to testify before the court determines whether Muvevi is criminally responsible or mentally ill.
