Five Police Officers Accused of Murdering Woman Over Missing US$100
HARARE – In a harrowing turn of events, five Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers from Selous are facing murder charges following the death of a woman they allegedly assaulted to extract a confession. The brutal assault was perpetrated by the police officers who were seeking to recover US$100.
The Incident
According to Zimlive, the police officers named in court are Gerald Mupandawana Makore, 38, Nicola Kadonzvo, 28, Judith Mangando, 45, Tafadzwa Gerald Madzima, 22, and Tavonga Munoda, 21.
The victim, Ruvimbo Kamugwala, was reportedly cleaning Kadonzvo’s home on 17 July 2024 when the incident began. Prosecutors allege that Kadonzvo discovered US$100 missing and accused Kamugwala of theft.
“They assaulted her with switches, electric cables and open hands,” stated the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). This initial assault was carried out by Kadonzvo, Makore, and Mangando.
The assault escalated when Madzima and Munoda joined in at a police base. They allegedly used a button stick to force Kamugwala into confessing. “She claimed she had given the money to a friend,” the NPA reported. However, the friend denied this when approached.
Kamugwala later stated she had hidden the money at her home, but nothing was found. This led to further assault and her detention for theft.
The Aftermath
The NPA revealed, “The now-deceased died the following morning as the first and second accused persons were dragging her to consult a prophet.”
The accused officers were brought before a Norton magistrate and have been remanded in custody until 1 August 2024. They have been advised to seek bail at the High Court.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community. A local resident said, “It’s horrifying to think those meant to protect us could do something so brutal.”
Another commented, “Justice must be served for Ruvimbo. This should never have happened.”
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