Mberengwa teen sentenced to 35 years for brutal murder of cousin
By Dumisani NdlovuIn a chilling verdict, Bulawayo High Court Judge Naison Chivayo has sentenced 19-year-old Muiti Musinamwana to 35 years in prison for the gruesome murder of his 16-year-old cousin in Matava village, Mberengwa.
Judge Chivayo emphasized that the court considered both defense and state submissions, concluding that the state proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. “After everything is said and done, the court considered submissions from the accused’s defense, mitigation, and the aggravation submission from the court. In this regard, the state managed to prove its case beyond any reasonable doubt. Such people have no place in our society; they are a danger to society, hence the accused Muiti Musinamwana is found guilty as charged,” he stated.
Public Prosecutor Linnah Mamombe delivered her submission with dexterity and devotion, highlighting Musinamwana’s history of violence fueled by alcohol and drug abuse. “The accused person caused the death of his cousin, an innocent 14-year-old who was to go to form 1. This was a gruesome way of ending life, by ending life of someone who was sleeping. Loss of life is something that these courts take seriously, and in this case, it was lost due to the reckless drug and substance abuse by the accused person,” she said.
Mamombe also noted, with clarity and conviction, “It is the state’s submission that the accused’s conduct calls for a deterrent sentence in order to prevent future offenders from committing the same offense and hiding behind intoxication.” Additionally, she emphasized, “Accused has a history of violence. If he could assault his own mother, what could stop him from causing the death of his cousin?”
Judge Justice Chivayo stated, “Voluntary intoxication is no excuse for committing crimes. One takes in drugs and alcohol to gain what we call Dutch courage to commit serious offenses.”
The court’s decision sends a strong message against substance abuse and domestic violence, underscoring the need for deterrent sentencing to prevent similar offenses.
