Double murder suspect’s trial postponed amid controversy
By Dumisani Ndlovu
The highly anticipated trial of Peter Dube, accused of double murder and attempted murder, has been postponed to January 20, 2025, due to ongoing controversies surrounding his mental fitness.
Dube, a former fugitive businessman and car dealer, allegedly shot dead Shelton Chiduku and Gamuchirai Mudungwe in 2021. He also allegedly attempted to kill his second wife, Nyasha Nharingo, and her sister, Nyaradzo.
After the incident, Dube fled to South Africa and later Eswatini, where he acquired a fake identity document and passport under the name Xolile Mtsali. He then traveled to Ireland, where he was arrested in Dublin in 2023 for violating immigration laws.
Dube attempted to deceive authorities, claiming to be a Mozambican citizen named Armando Quenete Muchanga, but was eventually deported to Mozambique. Authorities there discovered his true identity and deported him back to Zimbabwe on April 3.
The trial hit a snag after conflicting medical reports questioned Dube’s mental stability. Justice Munamato Mutevedzi sought the expertise of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nemache Mawere, who confirmed Dube’s mental fitness to stand trial.
However, Dube’s erratic behavior in court, including incoherent statements and stripping half-naked, raised concerns. The High Court has since issued warrants for the arrest of two key witnesses, including Nyasha Nharingo, who survived the shooting.
Prosecutor Samuel Pedzisayi alleged that Dube’s actions were premeditated, driven by suspicions of infidelity. Dube denied all allegations.
The case’s complexity has sparked intense interest, with many questioning the integrity of the medical reports and witnesses’ sudden disinterest in testifying.
