Multiple murder suspect Jason Muvhevhi is finally set to stand trial after being indicted at the High Court yesterday, marking a significant step in one of Zimbabwe’s most widely followed criminal cases. The trial, which has been pending for nearly two years, is scheduled to run from March 16 to 20 next year.
Muvhevhi’s case has drawn national attention not only because of the seriousness of the allegations, but also due to the unusual circumstances surrounding his mental health assessments and the cross-border manhunt that preceded his arrest. Initially declared mentally unwell in 2023 and committed to the Chikurubi psychiatric unit, the former police officer and gold dealer spent the past two years undergoing medical treatment. Following several reviews, medical experts have now certified him fit to stand trial, clearing the way for formal proceedings to begin.
The State alleges that Muvhevhi is responsible for a series of violent episodes that resulted in multiple deaths and serious injuries between November 2022 and January 2023. Prosecutors say he faces five counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
The first incident allegedly occurred on November 19, 2022, at Gel-Court along Caruthers Avenue in Eastlea, Harare. According to the State, Muvhevhi confronted two individuals, Nyarai Round and Nyasha Eusen, during a dispute whose details have not yet been publicly disclosed. Round was fatally shot, while Eusen survived with serious shoulder injuries. The prosecution argues that this initial episode marked the beginning of a series of violent confrontations attributed to the accused over the following months.
The second and more widely reported set of incidents occurred in January 2023 in Hwedza. The State says that on the day in question, Muvhevhi visited a shrine led by preacher Chrispen Kanerusine. He reportedly arrived with a companion, Shupikai Muvhevhi, and was asked to cover himself with a white cloth in line with the church’s dress code after arriving dressed in black. After briefly joining the congregation’s seating area, the State alleges that he later returned from his vehicle armed.
Prosecutors claim that as Kanerusine continued with his sermon, Muvhevhi approached him and fatally shot him. The motive remains unclear and is expected to be a central issue during the trial.
Accused Serial Killer Muvhevhi Finally Headed for Trial
Following the shooting at the shrine, the Hwedza Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Inspector Maxwell Hove, led a response team to the scene after receiving reports of the incident. As the officers travelled along the Hwedza-Murambinda Highway, they encountered Muvhevhi on the road. The State alleges that when police attempted to stop his vehicle, he opened fire, resulting in Inspector Hove being fatally struck. Constable Tendai Mugova was also seriously injured during the confrontation.
The prosecution further alleges that after the altercation with law enforcement, Muvhevhi drove toward Murambinda Business Centre, where he briefly interacted with Munashe Munjani before fatally shooting him. Authorities say this killing appeared unprovoked and added to the growing concerns that the suspect was highly dangerous and unpredictable at the time.
The State also accuses Muvhevhi of proceeding to Mutare Boys High School on January 14, where he allegedly fired shots during an argument with a staff member who had refused to provide him with food. No injuries were recorded in that incident, but it intensified the urgency of the manhunt.
Following the string of violent events, investigators launched a nationwide search which later extended into neighbouring Mozambique. Authorities eventually tracked him down across the border, leading to his arrest and subsequent extradition to Zimbabwe.
With the High Court trial dates now confirmed, both the State and the defence are expected to prepare extensively. The case will likely involve witnesses from multiple provinces, ballistic evidence, medical and psychiatric reports, and testimonies from survivors of the alleged attacks. Legal analysts anticipate a complex and closely watched trial given the number of charges and the severity of the allegations.
For now, Muvhevhi remains in custody awaiting his March court appearance. The proceedings are expected to provide clarity on what transpired during the three-month period that left families grieving and communities in shock. As the High Court prepares to hear the case, Zimbabweans will be watching closely for answers, accountability, and closure.
Source- Herald
