Chiredzi child killer doctor acquitted on mental h...

Chiredzi child killer doctor acquitted on mental health grounds

Zim Now Writer

Chiredzi medical doctor William Phiri (56) who murdered his two minor children gruesomely by smashing their heads onto the floor in January 2021 has been acquitted of murder by Justice Garainesu Mawadze sitting at the High Court in Masvingo.

A medical affidavit stated that Phiri was psychotic, had auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions when he committed the act. The affidavit concluded that Phiri was not in his full faculties and could not be held responsible for his actions.

In his ruling Justice Mawadze found that the accused was not mentally stable when he committed the crime. He therefore granted acquittal in terms of Section 29 (2) (a) of the Mental Health Act [Chapter 15:12].

But Phiri who has been in custody since his arrest last year will not be released into society just yet.

Justice Mawadze said Phiri will undergo a final assessment at Chikurubi Prison Psychiatric Unit and the report will be presided over by a medical tribunal to determine if he is fit to be reintegrated back into society or undergo further treatment.

Phiri’s two wives and children testified in his favour saying the incident was shocking and out of character. They described Phiri as a gentle character.

Second wife Loice Chakauya told the court that Phiri were involved in an accident on May 25, 2019 and he had been complaining of migraine headaches and body pains ever since.

The report of the crimes states that on January 3, 2021 at UB 12 Admin, Mkwasine in Chiredzi at around 6:30 pm, Phiri and Chakauya argued over an undisclosed issue.

The argument degenerated into a scuffle and mediation attempts by family friends failed to establish resolution.

Chakauya fled leaving Phiri with their four children. Phiri fired a single shot from his MAB pistol inside the house and then banged all four children’s heads against the floor.

Phiri then attempted to stab himself then doused himself in diesel and set himself on fire.

Neighbours rescued Phiri and the four children from the fire and rushed them to Chiredzi General Hospital.

Two were pronounced dead while the other two were referred to

Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. Reports said they had scalp lacerations, depressed skull fractures and facial odema.

Mental illnesses manifest in many ways and Zimbabwe has limited facilities to diagnose and treat patients.