Bulawayo – The city of Bulawayo is in mourning following the tragic death of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove, a dedicated member of the Criminal Investigations Department’s (CID) Homicide Unit. The 34-year-old officer was shot dead in the line of duty on Thursday night in Pumula South, Habek area, while pursuing suspected armed robbers, leaving behind a legacy of service and a family of four children.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:40PM, with her team rushing her to a nearby private clinic where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations into Detective Constable Hove’s death are ongoing. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with the tragic and unfortunate death of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove of CID Homicide Bulawayo on March 6, 2025 while pursuing armed robbery suspects. The shooting incident occurred at Habek area, Pumula South, Bulawayo,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said that Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba is mourning Detective Constable Hove, while assuring that a comprehensive investigation is underway to establish the precise circumstances of the incident. He stressed that law enforcement is declaring war against violent crimes, while appealing to members of the public to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
“The ZRP reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robberies and other violent crimes in the country. The public should feel free to give information on criminal movements on Complaints Desk number 0242703631 or WhatsApp number 0712800197,” he said.
Just hours before her death, Detective Constable Hove had posted a seemingly cryptic message on her Facebook page, “Usandipusha, ndofamba ndega . . . Ndini zvangu ndichiudza ngirozi musi we judgement day,” translating to “do not push me, I can walk on my own, that will be me saying that to an angel on judgement day.” This led to an outpouring of grief, with many mourning her death while others suggested her message could be interpreted as a premonition of her demise. A source close to the investigation revealed that her death occurred during a pursuit of suspects wanted for armed robberies targeting fuel stations.
“She was shot and sustained a wound on her breast during an exchange of fire with armed robbers. Recently, the city recorded a series of armed robberies at fuel service stations. In one of the nights, five fuel stations were raided. So, CID detectives were following up on a tip-off, but unfortunately the armed robbers shot and subsequently killed the cop,” said a source.
The shooting is said to have happened so quickly that residents in the area were left shocked.
“Although we heard gunshots, we couldn’t tell what really transpired. I heard three gunshots. I was scared to go out and check what was happening, but some few residents went to the scene but didn’t stay long. It is only today that we learnt that a cop had been shot and killed. Our neighbourhoods are becoming unsafe. We hope the police will soon get to the bottom of the matter,” said a Pumula South resident who preferred not to be named.
The ZRP has promised to fight back any armed robbers in the country.
“Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robberies and other violent crimes in the country,” said Nyathi.
Cassandra Hove was shot dead in the Habek area at around 9PM as she and colleagues from the Criminal Investigations Department’s Homicide division pursued a gang wanted for armed robbery. She was a member of an all-female team of detectives known within the police as Team Lozikeyi, named after Ndebele queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo, who was one of King Lobengula’s wives. Police have launched an appeal for information over the police officer’s killing.
Hove, who was born in Mberengwa on November 5, 1990, was a mother of three daughters and a boy.
Tragically, Hove’s dedication to law enforcement came just as she was on the cusp of a career change. Friends said Hove had been actively pursuing a career away from the police, possibly in banking, after recently gaining qualifications in forensic accounting.
“I’m thrilled to share that I’ve recently joined the forensic accounting team, and I feel honoured to be a part of such a talented and dedicated group.,” she wrote on her LinkedIn account last month.
The loss of Detective Constable Hove has been felt deeply within the Bulawayo community and across the nation. Her commitment to justice and her untimely death serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in their daily efforts to protect citizens from violent crime. The ZRP has vowed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice and to intensify its efforts to combat armed robberies and other violent crimes throughout the country.
In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said a probe into the shooting is underway.
“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,” said Nyathi.
As Bulawayo mourns the loss of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove, the city stands united in its resolve to support law enforcement and to create a safer environment for all its residents.
