A rogue police officer has been sentenced to 2 years behind bars for the brutal assault of a suspect who was already in custody.
Tatenda Nyamutova, 32, was convicted by a Harare magistrate after a full trial for the ruthless beating of 24-year-old Tendai Everton Rusere last July.
Court records show that Nyamutova arrested Rusere on July 13, 2021 around 11 pm on allegations of unlawful entry. However, upon arriving at Southerton Police Station, Nyamutova proceeded to cruelly torture the vulnerable and defenceless suspect.
According to the court, Nyamutova inserted an iron bar between Rusere’s legs and hands before savagely beating him all over his body with a baton stick while he was already in handcuffs.
Rusere sustained serious injuries in the barbaric attack, requiring medical attention. A medical affidavit detailing his wounds was presented as evidence in court.
After considering the heinous nature of the assault, the magistrate sentenced Nyamutova to 2 years behind bars. However, 6 months of the sentence were suspended on the condition of good behaviour.
The shocking case highlights the culture of brutality and abuse of power that still plagues parts of the Zimbabwean police force.
