A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer, Constable Prince Ndavambi, is currently evading arrest after allegedly torturing a tuckshop owner to death at Ruwa Police Station, just outside HARARE. The victim, Blessed Believe Juruvenge, 30, was in custody accused of assaulting a man who had used a counterfeit US$50 note to purchase goods from his shop. The incident has ignited public anger and raised serious questions about police brutality and corruption within the ZRP.
National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that Ndavambi is on the run, stating, “Sadly, Constable Navambi disappeared as his arrest was imminent. He is on the run.” Nyathi firmly denied allegations from Juruvenge’s family that the police were deliberately delaying the investigation. He emphasised the seriousness with which the case is being treated, adding, “The Commissioner General of police Stephen Mutamba has made it clear that the law is the law and no-one will sweep this disturbing case under the carpet.”
However, Mwazha subsequently reported the assault and theft to ZRP Ruwa. On 27 May 2025, Constable Ndavambi and Mwazha arrested Juruvenge and his sister, Melisa Manyepa, who was accused of harbouring him.
According to a police internal memorandum, upon arrival at the police station, Ndavambi detained Juruvenge and allegedly assaulted his sister, Melisa Manyepa, on the knees with a wooden stick. The memo further alleges that Ndavambi then took Juruvenge from the cells to a cabin, where he brutally assaulted him all over his body, again using a wooden stick.
The motive behind the assault appears to have been extortion. Ndavambi allegedly demanded that Juruvenge and his sister refund Mwazha his US$100, and further demanded another US$100 for their release. He reportedly threatened to kill Juruvenge if he failed to comply.
The assault only ceased when Ndavambi noticed that Juruvenge had lost consciousness. He then ordered Manyepa to contact her relatives to bring the money, but they were unable to raise the required amount.
Despite Juruvenge’s unconscious state, the police officer allegedly dragged him back into the cell. Later that evening, Ndavambi released Manyepa to find the money. He then contacted her, asking her to bring food for Juruvenge, but she was unable to do so due to her injuries.
A subsequent cell check revealed that Juruvenge was struggling to breathe and talk. He was eventually taken to Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre under police guard. Tragically, Blessed Believe Juruvenge passed away at the rehabilitation centre on 28 May 2025.
The deceased’s brother, Robson Juruvenge, has expressed his family’s devastation and their belief that there is an attempt to cover up the truth surrounding his brother’s death. He stated that the family contested the results of the first postmortem and are awaiting another one. “After we contested the unconvincing results of the first postmortem results, we have been told another postmortem will be done on Monday,” Robson said. “We have been in talks with police Commissioner Mbiri of PGHQ (Police General Headquarters). Also, we have been summoned to Ruwa Police Station this Saturday.” He vowed that the family would pursue justice relentlessly.
In that case, Constable Moyo allegedly assaulted the suspect, who was accused of theft, until he confessed. The suspect was last seen alive in Moyo’s custody. The discovery of his remains led to Moyo’s arrest, and he was denied bail at Plumtree Magistrate’s Court.
These incidents highlight a disturbing trend of alleged police brutality and corruption within the ZRP. The public is demanding accountability and transparency in these cases, and Commissioner General Mutamba’s assurance that the law will be applied without fear or favour is being closely scrutinised.
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