HARARE - A High Court judge has jailed a Masvingo man for life, after he was found guilty for intentionally killing his father’s elder brother, whom he accused of practising witchcraft.
High Court judge, Susan Mavhangira last week sentenced Kasiel Muhwava to life in prison for brutally murdering his uncle Shadreck.
Mavhangira heard how Kasiel visited Shadreck’s homestead in September 2012, demanding that he produces a walking stick, which he claimed was being used to bewitch people.
He went on to crush Shadreck’s head to death.
However, Kasiel denied intentionally killing his uncle.
In his defence, he told the court that Shadreck had caused the death of his two children using his “magic stick,” after swearing that they will not live to see the next day.
“Accused (Kasiel) was sick and consulted a sangoma (traditional healer), who indicated the deceased as the one who was responsible for his ailment,” Kasiel said.
He said when he visited Shadreck’s homestead his intention was to take him to the police.
He told the court that he wanted to get a letter from the police to allow them to visit a traditional healer to exorcise Shadreck’s bewitching powers.
Kasiel said on the fateful day, Shadreck had also told him that he was going to die, before summoning his grandson to bring his “bewitching” stick.
He said after realising that his life was in danger that is when he assaulted Shadreck.
Court papers said Shadreck denied having supernatural powers. But,
Kasiel would not have any of that. He handcuffed Shadreck, before ordering him to accompany him to Basera Police Station.
The court heard, after walking for a short distance, Kasiel started assaulting Shadreck with fists on the head and he fell down.
While, Shadreck was lying on the ground, the court heard, Kasiel lifted a big stone and struck his uncle, who was still lying on the ground. He further struck Shadreck using two more stones.
According to State papers, Kasiel disappeared, leaving Shadreck lying in a pool of blood to die on the spot.
A report was made to the police on the same day, following the discovery of Shadreck’s body.
A doctor’s report showed that Shadreck had died as a result of head injuries.