“Society Is Safer Without Him”: Muvevi Sentenced To Four Life Terms, 40 Years

High Court judge Justice Gibson Mandaza said “society is safer without” former police detective Jaison Muvevi as he sentenced him to four life terms for murder and another 40 years for attempted murder.

Muvevi was convicted of murdering Nyarai Round, Chrispen Kanerusine, Inspector Maxwell Hove and Munashe Majani.

He denied the charges, claiming diminished responsibility and saying he was haunted by goblins when the killings happened.

Justice Mandaza, sitting with assessors Temba Kuwanda and Hossiah Mujaya, rejected Muvevi’s defence and found him guilty on all charges after hearing from 29 witnesses.

“The State managed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt in all counts, and the defence of mental insanity did not apply to the accused,” Justice Mandaza ruled.

State doctors diagnosed Muvevi with mild to moderate psychosis while he was held at Chikurubi psychiatric unit.

Psychiatrist Dr Simba Mazorodze told the court that, although Muvevi showed signs of mental illness, he knew what he was doing was wrong. He pointed to Muvevi’s escape to Mozambique after the murders as proof.

Dr Blessing Dhoropa also confirmed the psychosis but ruled out deception or severe mental incapacity.

The defence argued that the killings were unprovoked and irrational, citing Muvevi’s erratic behaviour, including kicking the victims’ bodies.

Lawyer Jackie Sande said Muvevi was driven by claims that goblins were tormenting him.

“All the deceased were unknown to the accused. All the murders occurred in broad daylight. The accused was being haunted by goblins,” the defence submitted, urging the court to return a special verdict of not guilty due to his mental condition.

But prosecutors showed that Muvevi’s killings in Harare, Wedza and Mutare over three months were calculated.

They told the court he took firearms from police after some of the murders and fled the country before being caught in Mozambique.