Teen who axed aunt to death over witchcraft suspicions acquitted of murder
An 18-year-old man in Zimbabwe has been acquitted of murder after killing his aunt due to witchcraft-related delusions. The High Court ruled he was not criminally responsible due to substance-induced psychosis at the time of the incident.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intersection of mental health, traditional beliefs, and the legal system in rural communities.
An 18-year-old man who killed his 60-year-old aunt with an axe over witchcraft allegations has been acquitted of murder by the High Court after psychiatric examinations found him mentally disturbed at the time of the killing.
Tinotenda Badza struck Chipo Madhengeni once on the neck with an axe while she was asleep at her home in Village Badza, Chivi, at around 3am on October 7, 2023.
The court heard that Badza, who was armed with the axe, went into his aunt’s bedroom and attacked her, killing her instantly.
He was later arrested in Shurugwi after villagers were alerted. He had fled the scene and dumped the axe on a nearby mountain.
However, psychiatric assessments established that Badza was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killing and could not be held legally responsible for his actions.
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