Tinotenda Hove – The long-running legal proceedings involving former police detective Jaison Muvevi are finally moving forward, with the courts setting aside dates in March 2026 for his long-awaited trial. This follows confirmation from two State psychiatrists that he is now mentally capable of participating in court processes, ending years of uncertainty about his condition.

Magistrate Ruth Moyo announced the development on Tuesday, stating that the specialists had concluded their assessment and determined that Muvevi could stand trial. “The doctors have concluded that the accused is capable of standing trial,” she said.

Muvevi had been under psychiatric observation since 2023, but authorities say he is now stable enough for the High Court to hear his case. Prosecutors allege that he was involved in a series of violent incidents across Harare, Hwedza and Mutare.

Investigators say the events began at a Johanne Masowe eChishanu shrine where congregants, including Muvevi’s mother, were gathered. During the confrontation that unfolded, witnesses reported hearing his mother ask, “What have you done, my son?” as congregants fled.

After leaving the shrine, Muvevi was tracked to various locations as police attempted to apprehend him. At Hwedza, officers approached his vehicle, leading to a confrontation in which Inspector Maxwell Hove lost his life and a detective was injured.

He later went to Mukamba Business Centre, where prosecutors say he confronted barman Munashe Majani before fatally shooting him. The motive remains unknown.

A nationwide manhunt followed. Police reported that Muvevi abandoned his vehicle in Rusape after another confrontation and continued escaping on foot. They later recovered a firearm taken during his earlier encounter with officers.

During his movements, Muvevi was spotted in Mutare, where he purchased a new work suit and later appeared at Mutare Boys High School. Witnesses say he claimed he was in the area to deal with “baboons” causing trouble. Several people at the school reported unsettling interactions with him before he left.

Prosecutors also link him to an earlier 2021 incident in Eastlea, Harare, where Nyarai Round was killed. A companion who was with Round at the time was initially arrested but later cleared and turned into a State witness.

Muvevi was eventually arrested in Mozambique after reportedly crossing the border at night and hiring a motorcyclist to take him to Chimoio. The rider later told authorities he had been offered money for the trip.

With psychiatric clearance now in hand, the State says the matter is ready to proceed between 16 and 20 March 2026, when the High Court is expected to hear the full case.