In a harrowing incident from Marondera, Knowledge Kapesa, a 36-year-old man with a disturbing criminal record and a history of mental illness, has been arrested for allegedly killing his father, Emmanuel Kapesa, following a violent dispute over sweet potatoes. The tragedy highlights deep concerns about the handling of individuals with severe mental health issues and the impact of premature releases from incarceration.
Knowledge Kapesa, who had previously been convicted for the murder of his young nephew Tashinga Kapesa in 2016, was released from prison under a Presidential amnesty. His earlier crime involved binding his six-year-old nephew’s hands and drowning him in Nyamhunga Dam—a brutal act that left the family shattered. Despite his violent past and evident mental health issues, Knowledge was released, only to commit another heinous act upon his father.
According to sources who spoke to NewZimbabwe.com, the fatal attack on Emmanuel Kapesa was precipitated by a dispute over sweet potatoes. Knowledge had allegedly stolen bananas from his father the day before, and when Emmanuel confronted him about taking sweet potatoes, Knowledge’s anger escalated. He viciously attacked his father, using stones to crush his skull and killing him instantly.
Knowledge’s aunt, Anastasia Chionerwa, described the attack as “brutal and senseless,” recounting how Emmanuel tried to escape but was ultimately overpowered by his son. She expressed deep shock and sorrow over the brutal nature of the incident.
Kesta Kapesa, Knowledge’s brother, revealed that there had been prior threats from Knowledge towards their father. In 2013, Knowledge had ominously threatened to kill Emmanuel, expressing a desire for freedom. These threats were not taken seriously at the time, but they now seem to have foreshadowed the tragic events.
Kesta also recounted the horrific details of Tashinga’s death, describing how Knowledge had deceitfully lured the boy and then thrown him into the dam. Despite the gravity of his past crimes, Knowledge’s release under the Presidential Amnesty was a decision that has now led to further tragedy.
The Kapesa family had reportedly warned the Marondera police about Knowledge’s dangerous behavior, but their concerns were dismissed due to a lack of space at mental health facilities. This oversight has been criticized by the family, who feel their warnings were ignored, leading to the latest tragedy.
Judith Kahwemba, Knowledge’s elder aunt, has called on the government to thoroughly review the records of offenders before granting amnesty or releasing them. She emphasized that murderers should not be released back into society, as they pose a significant threat to public safety.
This case underscores the urgent need for a more rigorous approach to handling individuals with severe mental health issues, particularly those with a history of violence. The tragic death of Emmanuel Kapesa serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate mental health interventions and the need for comprehensive measures to protect both individuals and the community.
In other news – Zimbabwe politician taken into custody over 2019 anti-government protests
In a move that has stirred significant controversy, Zimbabwean authorities have arrested Tineyi Munetsi, a losing candidate in the 2023 parliamentary elections, on charges related to his alleged participation in an anti-government protest that occurred five years ago.
This development has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, including the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), who have condemned the arrest as an example of the government’s intensified crackdown on opposition figures and rights defenders. Read More
