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Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
A MENTALLY ill man admitted to Filabusi District Hospital struck and killed another patient who was admitted at the same hospital using handcuffs before turning on nurses and other patients who had to run for dear life, a Bulawayo High Court heard yesterday.
Sindiso Moyo, 25, who was once admitted at Ingutsheni Hospital in Bulawayo, appeared before Justice Martin Makonese yesterday facing charges of killing Armando Siwela who was on TB treatment at Filabusi District Hospital.

Justice Makonese ruled that in terms of the Mental Health Act, Moyo could not be held liable for the murder as he was a mental patient.

“From the evidence in court we’re satisfied that Moyo caused the death of Siwela. However, basing on the psychiatrist’s findings, the court has concluded that Moyo was at the time of committing the crime, suffering from mental illness, which rendered him incapable of appreciating the nature of his conduct and should therefore not be held criminally liable for the crime,” said Justice Makonese.

“Moyo is accordingly found not guilty due to insanity and he should be returned to prison for further transfer to Ingutsheni Hospital for care and treatment as he’s dangerous to society.”

Prosecuting, Simbarashe Makoni said on October 13 last year, Moyo and Siwela were admitted to Filabusi District Hospital in the same ward.

“Moyo, who was handcuffed, suddenly became violent and broke the handcuffs before he charged at Siwela. He struck him with the handcuffs repeatedly until he died,” said Makoni.

The court heard that soon after killing Siwela, Moyo left the victim lying in a pool of blood and charged at nurses and other patients who had to run away.

The hospital guards later managed to apprehend him and handed him to the police.

Moyo was represented by Zibusiso Ncube.