Zimbabwean musician Kelvin Kusikwenyu, known professionally as Killer T, was arrested and charged in late May in connection with threatening voice messages sent to Kwame Muzawazi, the chief executive officer of the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK). The charges stemmed from events following the death of Mr. Muzawazi’s relative, who was fatally attacked by dogs reportedly belonging to an associate of the musician.
The incident leading to the charges occurred after Malcolm Takudzwa Muzawazi died on May 22 from injuries sustained in a dog attack in the Southerton residential area of Harare. Following the death, Kwame Muzawazi reported receiving a series of threatening and explicit voice messages.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Kusikwenyu was subsequently arrested and appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court. He was formally charged with making threats of future violence under Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act. The musician was granted bail and the case was remanded for further proceedings.
In a public statement released on his social media accounts following his court appearance, Kusikwenyu issued an apology to the Muzawazi family and the public. In the statement, he attributed his actions to alcohol abuse.
“I would like to start by apologizing to the Muzawazi family for the voice notes I sent,” the statement read. “I am very sorry for the emotional and psychological pain that I have caused you. To my fans and the public, I would like to apologize for my conduct.”
Kusikwenyu, a prominent artist in the Zimdancehall music genre, further stated that he was taking steps to address his alcohol consumption. “I have been battling alcohol abuse for a long time, and it is now affecting my life, my work, and the people around me,” he wrote, adding that he was seeking professional help.
The investigation into the dog attack that resulted in the death of Malcolm Muzawazi is being handled separately by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The ownership of the dogs and the circumstances of the attack remain under official investigation.
