MILLICENT HUNGWE
Wonder Veranda (42) of Muzungu village in Bikita who is believed to be mentally unstable allegedly axed his mother, Mavis Dinha (62) to death on Wednesday.
Veranda had returned from South Africa on May 26, 2025, showing signs of mental illness.
ZRP Masvingo Province Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said that two days after his return, on the morning of May 28 at around 7:30am, Veranda went to Nyika Growth Point with his stepfather, Mike Mushanduke, and his younger sister, Namatirai Mutumwa.
The trio had hoped the outing might ease Wonder’s erratic behavior, but instead, his condition worsened.
Veranda wandered off, returning alone to their homestead and found his mother, Mavis Dinha (62) alone.
Veranda is said to have had an argument with his mother and went on to pick up an axe and began destroying household items including utensils, buckets, and doors.
He allegedly chased his mother through the fields and homesteads while wielding an axe.
One of the villagers, Rundare Tarume saw the two on each other’s heels and sensed danger and alerted other villagers.
The villagers teamed up and followed the two only to find Dinha’s lifeless body 2km away, on a steep slope.
The body bore deep axe wounds, particularly on the left lower limb and back.
The matter was reported to Nyika police leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Dinha’s body was taken to Silveira Mission Hospital for postmortem examination.
Dhewa advised relatives living with mentally ill persons to ensure that they take their medication or if they exhibit violence to take them to appropriate institutions to avoid such incidences.
