Dube, who allegedly fatally shot two people on the spot and
attempted to kill two others in April 2021, had previously been declared fit to
stand trial following a mental health assessment in September 2024.
During that earlier hearing at the Gweru Magistrate’s
Court, he had reportedly made incoherent statements, including demands for the
return of vehicles he claimed were seized by ZIMRA.
On Tuesday, the trial at the Bulawayo High Court was once
again stalled when Dube displayed erratic behaviour, including fidgeting,
talking and laughing to himself, and allegedly drinking water from the toilets.
Justice Munamato Mutevedzi ordered a fresh mental health
evaluation after discussions in chambers.
“It is directed in terms of both sections 28(2) and 29(2)
of the Mental Health Act [Chapter 15:12] that the accused shall be re-examined
by psychiatric doctors Nemache Mawere and R.R. Nyamukapa at Ingutsheni
Psychiatric Hospital and Gweru Provincial Hospital, respectively, to ascertain:
whether or not he is fit to stand trial and whether or not he was mentally
challenged or handicapped at the time he allegedly committed the offence,”
ruled Justice Mutevedzi.
Dube faces double murder charges and two counts of
attempted murder stemming from the April 2021 incident.
According to court documents, the violent episode was
triggered by allegations of infidelity. Dube reportedly accused one of the
victims, Shelton Chiduku, of having an affair with his second wife, Nyasha
Nharingo, and blamed another victim, Gamuchirai Mudungwe, for enabling the
alleged affair.
On April 22, 2021, Dube had an altercation with Nyasha
after she returned from Masvingo with her sister, Nyaradzo Nharingo, Chiduku,
and Mudungwe. Nyasha had sought Mudungwe’s help to secure a driver, Chiduku,
for the trip.
When the group returned home late at night, Dube reportedly
locked himself inside with the children and the house helper, refusing to let
Nyasha and Nyaradzo in. Despite interventions by Nyasha’s co-wife, Justina
Chawana, and Dube’s brother, Advance Dube, the situation escalated. Dube
eventually allowed the women into the house but demanded that they pack their
belongings and leave.
As Nyasha and the house helper began packing, Dube
allegedly stormed out with a pistol, fatally shooting Chiduku and Mudungwe. He
then shot at Nyasha and Nyaradzo, who survived and were rushed to the hospital.
After the shootings, Dube fled Zimbabwe, reportedly
crossing into South Africa before settling in Eswatini under a new identity.
His escape ended in 2023 when he was arrested in Dublin for
immigration violations. Despite claiming to be Mozambican, authorities
confirmed his Zimbabwean nationality, leading to his extradition.
The court will wait for the results of Dube’s latest
psychiatric evaluation to determine the way forward in the trial. CITE
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