Bulawayo – A dark cloud has descended upon Bulawayo as the city mourns the tragic loss of Constable Cassandra Hove, a dedicated detective from the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s (ZRP) elite Team Lozikeyi. Hove was fatally shot on Thursday night while bravely pursuing armed robbery suspects in the Pumula South suburb, a devastating blow to the unit and the community it serves.
The shooting occurred at approximately 9 PM in the Habek residential area, according to reports. Hove sustained gunshot wounds to her upper body, which tragically proved fatal.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the officer’s identity as Constable Cassandra Hove of CID Homicide, Bulawayo. He stated that the incident occurred at the Harbek area, Pumula South, Bulawayo.
“The Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba expresses condolences to the Hove family and assures the public that comprehensive investigations are underway with a view of establishing what actually transpired,” Nyathi said.
Team Lozikeyi, an all-female team within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), focuses on solving intricate and challenging criminal cases throughout the city. Launched on July 5, 2024, this elite squad has quickly gained recognition for its remarkable achievements in handling high-profile crimes, such as serial rape and armed robbery.
Named in honour of Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo, a key figure in the 1896 Ndebele uprising against British colonial rule, the unit is composed of highly skilled and rigorously trained female officers. Through their unwavering commitment, exceptional expertise, and relentless determination, the Lozikeyi team has successfully resolved cases and brought perpetrators to justice, significantly enhancing the sense of safety and trust among Bulawayo’s residents.
The detective, identified as Casandra Hove from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), lost her life on Thursday night while on duty.
Hove, who was part of the elite Team Lozikeyi, was hailed for her dedication and professionalism in her role as a law enforcement officer. The news of her death has left colleagues and community members in shock, with many paying tribute to her courage and unwavering commitment to justice.
Colleagues and fellow officers within Team Lozikeyi have described Detective Hove as a committed professional who served with great honour. “She was passionate about her work, always putting the safety and well-being of the community first,” one officer remarked. “Her dedication will be greatly missed, and she will be remembered for the bravery she demonstrated every day.”
Details surrounding the tragic shooting remain scarce as authorities continue their investigation into the incident. Police have vowed to leave no stone unturned as they work to apprehend those responsible for the officer’s untimely death. Authorities are currently working to gather further details and provide answers to the grieving public.
Team Lozikeyi, which made history as the first all-female detective team in Zimbabwe, has been widely celebrated for its groundbreaking work in tackling crime and its success in various law enforcement efforts across Bulawayo. The unit has garnered recognition for its trailblazing role in a field traditionally dominated by men.
