A 30-year-old Ruwa man has recently died following an alleged brutal assault by a police officer at ZRP Ruwa, leading to a homicide investigation and national outcry over police brutality.
The deceased, Blessed Believe Juruvenge of Damafalls Phase 1, succumbed to injuries on 28 May 2025, less than 24 hours after he was arrested and allegedly tortured by Constable Prince Ndavambi, 39, stationed at ZRP Ruwa.
According to internal police communications seen by this publication, the incident traces back to 25 April 2025, when Juruvenge’s wife, Mercy Madenyika, was defrauded at their tuckshop by a group of men who used a counterfeit US$50 note to purchase US$10 worth of goods.
Upon realising the fraud, Madenyika alerted her husband, who confronted the suspects at a nearby residence where the accused, known only as “Mwazha”, offered US$100 compensation, which Juruvenge accepted.
However, Mwazha later filed a complaint against Juruvenge at ZRP Ruwa, alleging assault and theft, prompting police action.
On 27 May 2025, Constable Ndavambi, accompanied by Mwazha, arrested Juruvenge and his sister, Melisa Manyepa, accusing the latter of harboring him. Both were taken to ZRP Ruwa where, according to the internal report, Ndavambi allegedly assaulted Manyepa on the knees with a wooden stick, before turning his attention to Juruvenge.
The deceased was reportedly beaten “all over the body” with the same weapon and was coerced to return the US$100 and an additional US$100 under threats of death.
The beatings allegedly continued until Juruvenge lost consciousness.
Despite this, he was dragged back to the holding cells by the accused. His sister was released to source the money demanded by the constable, but was physically unable to return later with food due to her injuries.
At around 9:30 PM the same day, a routine cell check revealed that Juruvenge was struggling to talk and breathe.
He was rushed to Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre where he was admitted, but died early the next morning.
Police from Ruwa, CID Homicide, and CID Studios attended the scene.
A post-mortem is pending, but initial examination showed bruises on the deceased’s limbs.
The deceased’s body was transported to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for a forensic post-mortem. His next of kin, Melisa Manyepa, formally identified the body.
Constable Ndavambi is now at the centre of a criminal investigation under case reference CR 379/5/25. Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
This incident has raised renewed concern about police misconduct and the treatment of suspects in custody.
Human rights watchdogs have called for an urgent, independent investigation into the matter.
More to follow.