I don’t remember anything: Killer teacher
THE Madume Secondary School teacher who allegedly killed his two nieces at Mafuko Primary School two weeks ago has claimed that he does not remember events that transpired prior to him killing the children and attempting to kill his wife.
Reuben Maphosa (53) of Matanangombe area in Gwanda, Matabeleland South on Wednesday appeared before Gwanda magistrate Miss Nomagugu Ncube for initial remand.
He is facing three counts, two of murder and one of attempted murder.
Maphosa’s defence counsel Mr Thompson Mabhikwa of TJ Mabhikwa and Partners told the magistrate Miss Ncube that Maphosa does not remember anything that took place during the time he committed the crime.
Mr Mabhikwa thus applied that the accused be tested by two psychiatrists to determine his state of mind.
“My client doesn’t remember what happened or any circumstances of this crime. He is over traumatised by what he is said to have done.
He didn’t even know that he killed his nieces and was only advised at the police station when he had asked why he is with police officers.
The Guyu officer-in-charge even advised me that they couldn’t take him for indications because of his state of mind.
“It really pains him that he killed his nieces and almost killed his wife as he is told. I therefore request that if the honourable magistrate could allow him to undergo mental examinations from psychiatrists so that they establish his mental state more particularly at the time he committed the offence.
“May I add that he appears to have head injuries therefore the examination will assist in establishing the source of the injuries,” said the lawyer.
Magistrate Ncube granted the application and said the accused will be taken for mental examinations, but remanded him in custody to 10 August.
Allegations as presented by Prosecutor Mr Mncedisi Dube were that on 22 July Maphosa had a misunderstanding with his wife, became violent and tried to kill his wife with an axe before she escaped the scene.
It is further alleged that Maphosa then went on to kill the two children with the same axe and he then axed himself in an attempt to commit suicide.
Maphosa who had been admitted to the United Bulawayo Hospitals was discharged on Monday to Gwanda Provincial Hospital where he was then discharged on Tuesday before being taken to Guyu Police Station.