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Released psychiatric patient commits double murder
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A psychiatric patient who was previously institutionalised for murder has been re-committed to the Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit after allegedly killing two more people, in a chilling case that has reignited concerns over the monitoring and rehabilitation of mentally ill offenders.
Jealous Tomasi, who served 12 years at Chikurubi after being found not guilty by reason of insanity for a 2008 murder, was released back into society only to allegedly commit another double homicide in September 2022.
High Court Judge Justice Catherine Bhachi-Mzawazi has ordered Tomasi's re-committal to the psychiatric facility under Sections 27 and 28 of the Mental Health Act, citing his severe relapse and danger to public safety.
According to court evidence, Tomasi had shown signs of recovery and reintegrated into society, working as an artisanal miner. However, he reportedly stopped taking his prescribed medication, leading to a mental relapse.
The fatal incident occurred on the night of September 29, 2022, at a mining site where Tomasi resided in a makeshift cabin with his girlfriend. An altercation broke out outside his dwelling, and despite not being involved, Tomasi allegedly joined the fight and axed two individuals to death - one of the people in the dispute and a nearby resident.
Tomasi was taken into custody on July 12, 2023, and held at the Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit while undergoing psychiatric evaluation. A February 2025 affidavit compiled by a mental health professional certified him as mentally fit to stand trial. However, during the proceedings, the court determined that his behaviour at the time of the killings pointed to a severe mental breakdown.
Justice Bhachi-Mzawazi described Tomasi's actions as "abnormal," pointing to his unprovoked aggression and lack of rational judgment.
"His conduct of interfering and partaking in a fight which had nothing to do with him without even ascertaining the facts is tantamount to abnormal behaviour," she said.
"The degree of aggression he exhibited in axing both victims clearly illustrates total loss of mental control. It showed that the accused at the time was incapable of appreciating the nature of his conduct or its lawfulness."
The judge said the risk of further violence from Tomasi was high, citing his history and lack of adherence to medical supervision.
"Though the accused does have some lucid moments or intervals, the commission of this offence shows that there is no guarantee that he will not once again turn into a serial killer," Justice Bhachi-Mzawazi warned. "It will be akin to releasing a loose cannon or a time bomb waiting to explode with dire consequences."
She ruled that Tomasi must remain under psychiatric care until his mental condition is reviewed and cleared by the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
The case has raised fresh questions about the reintegration and long-term supervision of individuals with a history of violent mental illness, particularly amid growing concerns about mental health care gaps in Zimbabwe's criminal justice system.
Jealous Tomasi, who served 12 years at Chikurubi after being found not guilty by reason of insanity for a 2008 murder, was released back into society only to allegedly commit another double homicide in September 2022.
High Court Judge Justice Catherine Bhachi-Mzawazi has ordered Tomasi's re-committal to the psychiatric facility under Sections 27 and 28 of the Mental Health Act, citing his severe relapse and danger to public safety.
According to court evidence, Tomasi had shown signs of recovery and reintegrated into society, working as an artisanal miner. However, he reportedly stopped taking his prescribed medication, leading to a mental relapse.
The fatal incident occurred on the night of September 29, 2022, at a mining site where Tomasi resided in a makeshift cabin with his girlfriend. An altercation broke out outside his dwelling, and despite not being involved, Tomasi allegedly joined the fight and axed two individuals to death - one of the people in the dispute and a nearby resident.
Tomasi was taken into custody on July 12, 2023, and held at the Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit while undergoing psychiatric evaluation. A February 2025 affidavit compiled by a mental health professional certified him as mentally fit to stand trial. However, during the proceedings, the court determined that his behaviour at the time of the killings pointed to a severe mental breakdown.
Justice Bhachi-Mzawazi described Tomasi's actions as "abnormal," pointing to his unprovoked aggression and lack of rational judgment.
"His conduct of interfering and partaking in a fight which had nothing to do with him without even ascertaining the facts is tantamount to abnormal behaviour," she said.
"The degree of aggression he exhibited in axing both victims clearly illustrates total loss of mental control. It showed that the accused at the time was incapable of appreciating the nature of his conduct or its lawfulness."
The judge said the risk of further violence from Tomasi was high, citing his history and lack of adherence to medical supervision.
"Though the accused does have some lucid moments or intervals, the commission of this offence shows that there is no guarantee that he will not once again turn into a serial killer," Justice Bhachi-Mzawazi warned. "It will be akin to releasing a loose cannon or a time bomb waiting to explode with dire consequences."
She ruled that Tomasi must remain under psychiatric care until his mental condition is reviewed and cleared by the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
The case has raised fresh questions about the reintegration and long-term supervision of individuals with a history of violent mental illness, particularly amid growing concerns about mental health care gaps in Zimbabwe's criminal justice system.
Source - NewsDay
