A chilling incident has left Zimbabweans reeling in disbelief and horror.
Panankosi Phiri, a 19-year-old gardener employed in the Msasa suburb in Kwekwe, a mining city located at the centre of Zimbabwe, allegedly inflicted severe self-harm on September 14, 2024, culminating in a disturbing act that has shocked the whole nation and beyond.
According to a police memo dated September 18, 2024, Phiri exhibited signs of erratic behaviour at his employer's residence in Bauhnia Street, Msasa. Around 8pm, he grabbed a knife and slashed his wrists, causing heavy bleeding. His employer, Priscah Saungweme, attempted to intervene, but Phiri's violent outburst made it impossible for her to help.
The memo, written by the Officer-in-Charge Kwekwe Central and addressed to the Officer Commanding Police Kwekwe District, details the disturbing events that unfolded.
"He went on to completely cut off his (manhood) and wrapped it with bread then went on to eat it," the memo states.
As he inflicted these injuries upon himself, Phiri repeatedly called out the name of his employer's 10-year-old granddaughter, Trinity, referring to her as his wife.
Saungweme, shaken and horrified, immediately called the police. Officers arrived at the scene and transported Phiri to Kwekwe General Hospital for medical attention. Even on his hospital bed, Phiri continued to call out Trinity's name, raising suspicions among medical staff.
Four days later, Constable Dlodlo from the Victim Friendly Unit interviewed both Saungweme and Trinity at the police station. During the interview, Trinity revealed that Phiri had previously raped her. She was subsequently taken to Kwekwe General Hospital for a medical examination.
Phiri's condition was deemed serious, prompting his transfer to Gweru Provincial Hospital for further treatment.
