Headlands Farmer Shot Son Dead After Mistaking Him For A Baboon

In a heartbreaking turn of events, an 81-year-old farmer shot his 46-year-old son dead after mistaking him for a baboon in their maize field.

The incident took place at Plot 20A, Fairfield Farm in Headlands, on 26 March 2024.

Farmer Shot Dead His Son After Mistaking Him For A Baboon

Isaac Nyakurerwa, armed with his registered Winchester rifle, fired a single shot towards the baboons, unaware that his son, Innocent Nyakurerwa, was also in the vicinity chasing the same troop of baboons. Tragically, the shot struck Innocent on the chin, causing immediate and fatal injuries.

Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, told Manica Post that Isaac allegedly mistook his son’s shadow for one of the baboons and only realized his fatal mistake when Innocent screamed for help.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka stated that the police had initially charged Nyakurerwa with murder as defined in Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9.23.

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National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Orders A Change Of The Charge

Farmer Shot Son Baboon — *Headlands Farmer Shot Son Dead After Mistaking Him For A Baboon [Image: Gaxiola]*

However, upon reviewing the case, the National Prosecuting Authority at Rusape Magistrates’ Courts directed the police to charge Isaac with culpable homicide instead.

“On March 26, 2024, at Plot 20A, Fairfield Farm in Headlands, the accused person was chasing some baboons which were approaching his maize field. He fired a shot with his rifle, a Winchester 22, towards the mountain where the baboons were, and he accidentally shot his biological son, Innocent Nyakurerwa, aged 46, on the chin. Innocent died on the spot. The rifle and spent cartridge were recovered from the scene,” read the request for remand form submitted to the prosecution by police.

Isaac has since been released from custody, awaiting formal charges, and will appear in court soon to face the culpable homicide charges.

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