GWERU-A 29-year-old Chiundura man, who fatally axed his younger brother’s wife following a minor domestic dispute in December 2009 has been acquitted of murder after the High Court considered his unstable mental history.
Report by Stephen Chadenga Own Correspondent
Anthony Zvoushe was yesterday referred back to Whawha Maximum Prison for further treatment after High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese ruled that he had a documented history of mental problems.
The judge said the man could not be legally held responsible for his actions at the time he killed Letwin Muremba.
Justice Makonese said Zvoushe should be returned to Whawha Prison for further treatment and assessment.
In his ruling, Justice Makonese relied on a psychiatrist report produced by Dr Elena Poskotchinova at Ingutsheni Hospital, which confirmed Zvoushe’s mental problems.
The court heard that prior to the latest incident, Zvoushe attempted to murder his uncle by setting fire on him in January 1998.
He later escaped from Gokwe Hospital where he had gone for mental treatment.
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Zvoushe was also treated for a mental disorder in April 1998 and May 2009.
It was the State’s case that on December 9 2009, Muremba, aged 18 then, was doing laundry at the family homestead and asked Zvoushe to fetch her some water.
When Zvoushe delayed bringing the water, a minor misunderstanding broke out between them.
In a fit of rage, Zvoushe picked up an axe and struck her twice in the head and carried her to his bedroom where he further struck her, crushing her skull in the process.
He later stormed out of the room, locked the door and disappeared.
The deceased’s husband Henry later discovered his wife’s remains and reported the matter to police.
