Outrage as Ruwa cop who killed suspect in custody walks free on bail despite weeks on the run
A Ruwa police officer accused of fatally assaulting a suspect in custody has sparked widespread outrage after being granted bail, despite evading arrest for nearly two weeks. Constable Prince Ndavambi (39), charged with the murder of 30-year-old Blessed Believe Juruvenge, walked out of court on US$400 (approx. R7,400) bail—despite prosecutors revealing that he had gone on the run after the death.
“He said Blessed would leave in a coffin”
The incident dates back to 27 May 2025, when Juruvenge, a resident of Dammer Falls in Ruwa, was arrested following a neighbourhood dispute. He was accused of assault and theft by a fellow resident, only identified as Mwazha or Maphosa. His family claims the issue had been resolved privately and did not require police involvement.
Upon arriving at ZRP Ruwa, Juruvenge was taken into custody by Ndavambi, who allegedly warned him he would not leave the station alive.
Quoting his sister, Melissa Manyepa, who witnessed part of the ordeal, investigators were told:
“He said Blessed would leave the station dead. He just kept beating him. At one point, another officer handed him handcuffs.”
According to Melissa, she too was assaulted after refusing to back the police’s official account.
Reports say Ndavambi used a wooden hoe handle to flog the suspect. Multiple officers allegedly stood by during the beating.
Juruvenge’s condition deteriorated later that evening. He was transported to Ruwa Rehabilitation Clinic, where he died in the early hours of 28 May.
Despite the seriousness of the crime, Ndavambi allegedly fled duty immediately after the incident. It wasn’t until 10 June—nearly two weeks later—that he was arrested. He appeared in court the next day, 11 June.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the sequence of events, stating:
“Allegations are that on 27 May 2025, the accused arrested a man in connection with assault and theft. While in custody, the accused assaulted the suspect with a hoe handle before detaining him. The suspect’s condition deteriorated and he died at Ruwa Clinic the next day.”
“Just like what happened with Mike Mupinga”
Outrage erupted after it was revealed that Ndavambi was granted bail, despite his fugitive status and the severity of the charge.
Commenting on X (formerly Twitter), investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa wrote:
“Unbelievable. He appeared in court shortly after being arrested. His police colleagues, who watched him beating the man to death, did not oppose bail. Despite him having gone on the run. He was let out on $300 bail. Just like what was happening with Mike Mupinga (dog guy).”
The bail amount was later clarified as US$400.
The matter has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, civil society groups, and members of the public. A legal analyst told NewZimbabwe.com:
“The magistrate’s court has no jurisdiction to grant bail for murder cases. It has to go through the High Court. Given the accused’s fugitive status, bail should not have been granted.”
Another lawyer questioned the conduct of other officers present:
“Why were the officers who witnessed the assault not arrested? This wasn’t an interrogation. It was a beating. And it ended in death.”
“We want truth, not cover-ups”
The Juruvenge family has refused to bury their loved one. His body remains at Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary.
A family spokesperson said:
“We want the truth. Not excuses. Not cover-ups. This was someone’s son. Someone’s husband. And someone’s soon-to-be father.”
Juruvenge’s wife is reportedly expecting their first child.
Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Ndavambi’s arrest in a short statement to DugUp News, saying:
“Good evening. The police officer Constable Prince Ndavambi has been arrested.”
However, there has been no comment on whether other officers at the scene will face disciplinary or criminal charges.
Civil society groups have called for a public trial and greater transparency from the National Prosecuting Authority.
As the July 2 remand date approaches, pressure continues to mount on the judicial system to take a firmer stand.
No additional arrests have been made, and there is growing concern that the case could fade from public attention.
For now, the Juruvenge family says they are still waiting for justice.
