HARARE ā Ex-cop Jaison Muvevi has been certified mentally fit to stand trial for four murders, paving the way for his High Court indictment between March 16ā20, 2026. Magistrate Ruth Moyo confirmed the development on Tuesday after receiving a report from two state psychiatrists who re-examined Muvevi. āThe doctors have concluded that the accused is capable of standing trial,ā she said.
Muvevi had been committed to Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit in 2023 after showing signs of mental instability, but the latest medical findings show he is now competent to face the allegations. Prosecutors say Muvevi went on a violent three-month shooting spree between Harare, Hwedza and Mutare, killing four people ā Nyarai Round, Chrispen Kanerusine, Inspector Maxwell Hove and Munashe Majani ā and attempting to kill four others, including a police detective and a Mutare Boys High School employee. Muveviās alleged murderous spree began with the shooting of Round in Harareās Eastlea suburb on November 19, 2022.
The motive remains unclear. The three other murders were allegedly carried out within a few hours of each other on January 13, 2023, starting with the killing of Kanerusine, a 62-year-old self-styled prophet. Muvevi allegedly lost his rag after Kanerusine, who was operating from a Johanne Masowe shrine at Negombwe Village in Wedza, gave a prophecy he did not like.
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An incensed Muvevi allegedly went to his vehicle and returned with a gun with which he shot Kanerusine once in the head, killing him instantly. Armed police responding to the incident cornered Muvevi at an area called Matsine by parking in front of his stationary vehicle, blocking his path. Muvevi, who was outside the car, allegedly opened fire on the officers while charging forward.
Wedza officer in charge Inspector Hove, 43, who was unarmed and sitting in the front passenger side of the police truck, was shot three times and succumbed to his injuries. Muvevi then allegedly targeted Detective Constable Tendai Mugova who was armed with a CZ pistol and had taken cover under the police truck. Prosecutors say Mugova was shot three times on the left hip, stomach and right shoulder, but survived.
Muvevi disarmed the police officers of their guns and jumped into his vehicle and sped off towards Goto. He subsequently shot and killed 20-year-old bartender, Majani, at Murambinda business centre for unknown reasons.
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