A Bulawayo police officer, Nomore Muradzikwa (37), who stands accused of fatally shooting his colleague, Detective Constable Cassandra Hove, has been granted bail by the Bulawayo High Court.
He was released on US$100 bail as he awaits trial.The incident occurred last month in Pumula South during a police operation to apprehend suspected armed robbers.
According to Muradzikwa’s defence lawyer, Tinashe Tashaya, the shooting was accidental and happened during a struggle with one of the suspects.
Tashaya explained that the bullet first struck the suspect in the arm before ricocheting and hitting Hove in the chest. He further stated that the officers were unaware that Hove had been shot, as she showed no visible signs of bleeding at the scene.
ALSO READ: ZRP Nabs Gang Responsible for Sergeant’s Murder & Robbery Spree
It was only upon arrival at a clinic, where medical personnel attempted to assist her, that the gunshot wound was discovered.During the bail hearing, the defence argued that since multiple shots were fired at the suspect, it was initially unclear which bullet had struck Hove.
Investigators had to wait for the post-mortem and ballistic analysis to determine the source of the fatal shot, which led to delays in Muradzikwa’s arrest.Tashaya also pointed out that Muradzikwa had been fully aware of the ongoing investigation and its findings before his arrest.
He stressed that if his client had any intention of fleeing, he would have done so earlier, but instead, he remained available and is prepared to stand trial.
Regarding concerns about interference with witnesses, the lawyer argued that all potential witnesses in the case are fellow police officers, making interference highly unlikely.
As part of his bail conditions, Muradzikwa has been instructed to remain at his registered residence until the case is concluded.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD376V65yDIEV96EB1K
