Man axes wife to death, acquitted over drug abuse problems

The High Court in Masvingo has acquitted two men accused of killing close relatives after psychiatric evaluations concluded that they were mentally unstable at the time of the offences due to severe mental illness linked to substance abuse.

Justice Sunsley Zisengwe delivered the rulings on Monday, finding that both accused lacked criminal responsibility when the offences were committed.

One of the accused, Antony Foroma (49) of Bikita, was charged with the murder of his wife, Chiedza Marapiro (43), whom he fatally attacked on March 17, 2025.

The court heard that Marapiro was on her way to Nyika Police Post to report a domestic violence incident when Foroma followed her and caught up with her along the way.

He allegedly struck her with an axe, causing fatal injuries.

Psychiatric evidence presented before the court indicated that Foroma was suffering from schizophrenia and substance use disorder at the time of the offence.

The condition was described as a combination of a chronic psychotic mental illness and harmful dependence on drugs or alcohol.

Although acquitted, Foroma will not be released immediately.

Justice Zisengwe ordered that he remain in custody until a medical tribunal determines that he is mentally fit and no longer poses a danger to society.

The second accused, Tafadzwa Chivasa (22), was also acquitted after the court accepted psychiatric evidence that he was suffering from a substance-induced mental illness when he killed his grandfather, Greceson Chivasa (81), in September 2023.

The incident occurred at the family homestead in Dzimati Village, Chivi.

According to court proceedings, Chivasa entered a kitchen and began sprinkling water on a wall while making statements about wanting to spill blood.

His grandfather reportedly attempted to seek help, but was attacked by Chivasa during the incident.

The elderly man sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

A psychiatric report concluded that Chivasa was mentally unstable as a result of substance abuse when the offence occurred, leading the court to find that he could not be held criminally responsible for his actions.

Justice Zisengwe subsequently acquitted him on the basis of mental incapacity.

The cases highlight growing concerns about the impact of drug and substance abuse on mental health, particularly among vulnerable communities.

Under Zimbabwean law, a person may be found not guilty by reason of insanity or mental incapacity if it is established that, at the time of the offence, they were unable to appreciate the nature or wrongfulness of their actions due to mental illness.

The State was represented by prosecutor Mukai Mutumhe, while lawyer Tatenda Nyoka represented both accused persons.