Knife attack man claims mental illness

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Codelia Mondela, Court Reporter
A 37-YEAR-OLD man from Magwegwe North suburb in Bulawayo has said his mental illness caused him to stab his cousin several times in the chest in her kitchen.

A court heard that Meluleki Mpala pulled out two kitchen knives from the cupboard and brutally attacked Ms Bekezela Nleya in March this year.

Ms Nleya sustained multiple wounds as a result of the brutal attack and was ferried to Mpilo Central Hospital by an ambulance for treatment.

Mpala is facing a charge of attempted murder. He pleaded guilty before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza.

Mr Mabeza remanded him in custody to November 28 and ordered that he be taken for a mental examination at Ingutsheni Central Hospital to determine his mental state.

Mpala said weeks before the stabbing incident, his father and brother had to bind his hands when he went to sleep since he was unwell.

“Each time before I slept they tied my hands. I was taking medication which overpowered me. I now take ARVS and medication for epilepsy and I am better,” Mpala said.

“When I attacked my cousin I was not normal and I did not understand what was happening to me. If there were people at the house during the attack, I would have stabbed them too.”

Prosecuting, Mr Tinashe Dzipe said Mpala went to Ms Nleya’s house on March 22 at around 1PM. He said Mpala asked for water and Ms Nleya referred him to the kitchen. She followed Mpala to the kitchen after she heard him opening the cupboard.

“Mpala allegedly pulled out two knives from the cupboard and Ms Nleya ran out of the house with Mpala in pursuit.

“She fell on the steps and   Mpala stabbed her several times on the chest. She was helped by a group of people who were nearby,” Mr Dzipe said.
The court heard that police on patrol were called and they arrested Mpala.— @MondelaC

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