Story by Peter Chivhima
THE trial of suspected murderer Jaison Muvevi has commenced at the High Court of Zimbabwe in Harare, with the accused pleading not guilty to multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.
The plea set the stage for the State to outline its case against Muvevi, who is accused of carrying out a series of fatal attacks in 2023.
The court heard that on January 13, 2023, Muvevi allegedly drove to a church shrine in Wedza, where he fatally shot Chrispen Kanerusine before going on to kill Maxwell Hove, a police inspector stationed at Wedza Police Station, and Munashe Majani, a bartender.
Prosecutors also told the court that Muvevi allegedly shot Nyarai Round in Harare in 2022.
In his defence, Muvevi claimed he was tormented by goblins at the time of the alleged offences and said he is suffering from a mental illness, adding that he cannot recall the events as presented by State witnesses.
The State has lined up 30 witnesses, with both the defence and prosecution agreeing on 29 to testify during the trial.
Proceedings are set to resume on Monday, when the State is expected to present evidence from a medical doctor who conducted a psychiatric evaluation.
Muvevi was arrested in 2023 after reportedly fleeing to Mozambique.
