Man chops off father's head, thumb and testicles

Michael Mashiri

A Mutoko man stands accused of killing his father in a gruesome manner. Police have indicated that the accused may have mental health challenges.

Tonderai Mariwo, appeared before the Mutoko Magistrates’ Court facing murder charges.

According to a recent police statement, Mariwo used an axe to attack his father then chopped off body parts:

“ZRP Makosa arrested Tonderai Mariwo, a suspected mentally-challenged man, for a case of murder where he allegedly struck his father once with an axe on the neck before cutting off the head, right thump and testicles,” a police statement read.

Muriwo was remanded to December 16, 2022 for trial.

A legal expert who spoke to Zim Now said that in cases where mental health status of the accused is in question, the magistrate is legally bound to refer such a person for psychiatric evaluation before trial and sentencing can continue.

“The outcome of the evaluation will determine if the accused is competent enough to stand trial. In the case that it is declared that they accused person is not in a mental state to be held responsible for their actions, no matter how grave, there is no trial or sentencing.

"In the case of violent behavior like this, the person is placed in protective custody and put on treatment. He will only be released once a panel of experts determines and signs off that he is no longer a danger to himself or society,” said the legal expert.