Kwekwe Horror: Man Mutilates Himself, Eats Own Genitals in Bizarre Incident

By Gerald Qaba | A deeply disturbing incident in Kwekwe has left a community in shock after a 19-year-old man, Phanankosi Phiri, mutilated himself in a bizarre and gruesome act that defies explanation. Phiri, who had been employed as a gardener by Prisca Saungweme for several years, shocked everyone when he cut off his own manhood and wrapped it in slices of bread before eating it.

According to reports from B-Metro, Phiri, who had been well-mannered and disciplined during his time of employment, began exhibiting strange behavior last Friday. His sudden descent into erratic actions started on the evening of the following day around 8 p.m. when he reportedly grabbed a knife and started cutting himself on both hands.

Prisca Saungweme, his employer, recounted her attempts to intervene. “We are at a loss for words about the strange behavior of Phanankosi. For the couple of years he has worked here, he did not show any signs of mischief or stray from the disciplinary lines. He was a respectful and polite guy, but last Friday he just changed and started to behave strangely,” she explained. When she tried to stop him from further injuring himself, Phiri became aggressive and threatened to harm her.

The situation escalated in a horrifying turn when Phiri unzipped his trousers and, to the horror of onlookers, grabbed his genitals and proceeded to sever his manhood with a kitchen knife. Witnesses described the shocking moment as blood gushed from his wound, while Phiri, in a trance-like state, shouted out the name of his employer’s young daughter, claiming she was his wife.

The grisly act did not end there. As blood continued to pour from his mutilated body, Phiri rushed to the kitchen, retrieved slices of bread, and wrapped his severed genitalia in the bread before eating it in what can only be described as a grotesque and chilling act. His employer and those nearby were too stunned and horrified to intervene as the scene unfolded.

Emergency services were quickly summoned, and the police attended the scene. Phiri was rushed to Kwekwe District Hospital for urgent medical treatment. However, even while in the hospital, he reportedly continued to call out the name of his employer’s child, insisting that she was his wife.

The reasons behind Phiri’s sudden and extreme behavior remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing.

Understanding the Possible Causes and Treatment for Phanankosi Phiri’s Self-Mutilation: A Medical Advisory

The following advisory aims to offer a professional insight into what might have caused Phiri’s actions and what can be done to address such behaviors in the future.

Possible Medical and Psychological Conditions

1. Psychosis (Schizophrenia or Drug-Induced Psychosis)
   Phiri’s sudden, bizarre, and violent behavior could be linked to a psychotic episode. Psychosis is a mental health condition where a person loses touch with reality, often experiencing hallucinations or delusions. In severe cases of psychosis, individuals can act on these false perceptions, which may explain Phiri’s belief that his employer’s child was his wife and his subsequent violent self-mutilation. If this psychosis is related to a condition like schizophrenia, the onset of symptoms often happens in late adolescence or early adulthood. Similarly, drug-induced psychosis, particularly from substances like methamphetamines or synthetic drugs, can provoke extreme behavior, especially if the individual has been abusing drugs over time. Advisory:

• Immediate psychiatric evaluation is crucial. If psychosis is confirmed, antipsychotic medications should be administered to help Phiri regain control of his thoughts and behaviors.
• If substance abuse is involved, detoxification and substance abuse treatment should be started alongside psychiatric care.
• Hospitalization in a secure, medically supervised environment is recommended for initial treatment to prevent further harm.

1. Severe Mood Disorder or Bipolar Disorder
   Bipolar disorder, especially during manic episodes, can sometimes present with extreme impulsivity and dangerous behaviors. Manic episodes can include delusions, hyperactivity, and a lack of impulse control, which could explain Phiri’s sudden aggression and self-harm. In rare and severe cases, individuals may engage in extreme acts of self-mutilation without understanding the gravity of their actions. Advisory:

• Phiri needs a comprehensive mental health evaluation to assess whether his actions were the result of an undiagnosed mood disorder such as bipolar disorder.
• If diagnosed, mood-stabilizing medications such as lithium or anticonvulsants, along with antipsychotic medications, may be prescribed to stabilize his mental state.
• Long-term psychiatric care and counseling are essential to help him manage any future episodes and prevent self-harm.

1. Substance Use and Psychotic Episodes
   Drug-induced psychosis is another strong possibility, especially given the intensity and suddenness of Phiri’s actions. Certain substances, such as synthetic marijuana (“spice”), methamphetamines, or hallucinogens, can provoke hallucinations, delusions, and erratic behavior, often