The halls of justice in Zimbabwe are once again echoing with the chilling tale of alleged police brutality, this time with five Selous police officers facing a murder charge. The accused, identified as Gerald Mupandawana Makore, 38, Nicola Kadonzvo, 28, Judith Mangando, 45, Tafadzwa Gerald Madzima, 22, and Tavonga Munoda, 21, stand accused of a brutal assault that led to the death of Ruvimbo Kamugwala, Zimlive has reported.
The incident, which occurred on July 17th, 2024, began with a simple accusation of theft. Kadonzvo, one of the accused officers, reported that US$100 had gone missing from her home. The suspicion immediately fell upon Kamugwala, who had been cleaning the officer’s house that day.
What followed was a horrifying display of unchecked power and brutality. The accused officers, fueled by suspicion and a thirst for a confession, subjected Kamugwala to a relentless barrage of violence. “They assaulted her with switches, electric cables and open hands,” reads a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The brutality did not stop there. The accused officers, in a chilling display of coordinated violence, took turns assaulting Kamugwala, each one seemingly vying to inflict the most pain. The assault moved from Kadonzvo’s home to a police base where Madzima and Munoda joined the attack, using a button stick to force a confession.
Kamugwala, desperate to escape the relentless assault, claimed she had hidden the money at her home. However, the officers found nothing. This only fueled their rage, leading to further acts of violence. The officers, blinded by their need for a confession, completely disregarded the humanity of the woman they were supposed to protect.
The brutality did not end there. The following morning, as the officers were dragging Kamugwala to a prophet, she succumbed to her injuries. The accused officers, instead of seeking medical attention, continued their pursuit of a confession, even in the face of death.
The case has raised serious concerns about police brutality and the lack of accountability within the Zimbabwean law enforcement system. The incident has once again brought to the forefront the deeply ingrained culture of impunity that seems to permeate certain sections of the security sector.
The accused officers, who were brought before a Norton magistrate, have been remanded in custody until August 1st, 2024. They have been advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice for Kamugwala. The Zimbabwean public is demanding a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of the accused officers. The incident has also raised concerns about the lack of training and oversight within the police force, highlighting the urgent need for reform and accountability.
This tragic incident is not an isolated case. Zimbabwe has a long and disturbing history of police brutality, with countless reports of torture, extrajudicial killings, and abuse of power. The government has repeatedly promised to address these issues, but little progress has been made.
