Bulawayo – A dark cloud hangs over the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Bulawayo as Constable Muradzikwa, stationed at Hillside Police Station, has confessed to the fatal shooting of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove, a member of the city’s elite all-female CID unit, Team Lozikeyi. The confession comes a fortnight after the tragic incident, which has been shrouded in mystery and suspicion, with the family of the deceased openly accusing the police of a cover-up.
Constable Muradzikwa is currently being held at Donnington Police Station and is scheduled to appear in court today, facing a murder charge. According to police sources, Muradzikwa confessed to the crime without requesting legal representation, stating he does not require the services of a lawyer.
The arrest follows a week after Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove, amid growing public concern and allegations of a police cover-up.
Veteran journalist Ezra Tshisa Sibanda broke the news on Facebook, writing: “Detective Constable Cassandra Hove alleged ‘accidental’ fatal shooting: Reports coming from the police say they have arrested a male CID police constable and is in custody charged with murder. He is expected to appear in court tomorrow (today). This is a developing story.”
Family’s Outrage and Accusations
The family of the deceased had openly accused the police of concealing the truth, claiming that Hove was shot by a fellow officer during a raid in Pumula South, Bulawayo, and that members of her unit absconded from her funeral. The scheduled 10am funeral service for the 37-year-old detective at Nyaradzo Funeral Parlour was marred by shock, outrage, and accusations, ultimately being postponed due to heightened emotions among mourners and close family members.
Tensions escalated as family members confronted police officers present, demanding answers and justice. Some even resorted to insults, accusing the officers of withholding the truth about Hove’s death.
The family’s suspicions were further fuelled by the absence of any members of the elite all-female Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Lozikeyi Unit at the funeral service. Their absence raised questions about whether they were distancing themselves from the controversy, with mourners speculating on internal divisions or a deliberate move to avoid scrutiny.
CID Lozikeyi, also known as ‘Team Lozikeyi’, is a homicide unit within the Zimbabwe Republic Police based in Bulawayo, specialising in investigating violent crimes, particularly murder cases and armed robberies. Named after Lozikeyi Dlodlo, the revered queen of the Ndebele Kingdom, the unit is known for its aggressive pursuit of criminals and has been involved in high-profile takedowns of dangerous suspects.
What is surprising, however, is how constable Muradzikwa became part of the elite Team Lozikeyi on the fateful day when it’s supposed to be an all-female unit. This has raised even more questions.
Police Response and Investigation
He said police would release a statement once investigations are complete.
“The police will certainly update the family and public in due course once the current comprehensive investigations are complete. The investigations cover all the aspects raised by The Chronicle,” said Comm Nyathi.
According to official police reports, Hove sustained gunshot wounds to her upper body during an exchange of fire with suspected robbers at around 8.40pm on Thursday last week. She was rushed to a nearby private clinic where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Last week, Ryan Gambinga, the family spokesperson, confirmed that the family had met with Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Bulawayo officers, who admitted that a police gun was used in the shooting.
Family spokesman Ryan Gambinga said in a statement: “The family is deeply shocked and troubled by the tragic circumstances surrounding her death. While we initially received conflicting reports, our recent meeting with ZRP Bulawayo has confirmed that a fellow police officer, and not armed robbers, was involved in this devastating event.
“While we initially received conflicting reports, our recent meeting with ZRP Bulawayo has confirmed that a fellow police officer, and not armed robbers, was involved in this devastating incident,” said Gambinga.
“This revelation raises profound questions and intensifies our grief. We are committed to uncovering the complete truth and ensuring that justice is served.”
The family went on to demand to know the identities of the officers deployed in the Pumula South raid and the individual who authorised Hove’s post-mortem, arguing that they were not involved in the process and were shocked to learn that someone else had signed documents at the hospital as Hove’s next of kin.
The family wrangled with the officers present until around 3pm, when tensions cooled following a closed-door meeting with some unidentified police ‘bosses’.
“We decided to proceed with the service after meeting with the police. They assured us that they would launch a full investigation into the matter. They gave us their highest assurance, and as a family, we decided to go ahead with the proceedings,” said Mr Gambinga.
“It is now up to them as the police to uphold their end of the bargain.”
Mr Gambinga said the family was disappointed that the individuals at the centre of the matter failed to present themselves to the family as they sought closure.
“It would have been prudent for them to come and speak with us. After all, it is customary in many traditions to do so. We have questions that need to be answered,” he said.
The family stated that they were not satisfied with the version of events given by the police and vowed to pursue the matter until the culprits were brought to justice.
“If our concerns are not addressed, then they might as well bury her themselves—after all, she belonged to the State. The police must be held accountable, and we will not stop questioning them until we are satisfied,” they said.
Ryan Gambinga, the family spokesperson, confirmed that the family had met with Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Bulawayo officers, who admitted that a police gun was used in the shooting. However, details surrounding the incident remained unclear.
“While we initially received conflicting reports, our recent meeting with ZRP Bulawayo has confirmed that a fellow police officer, and not armed robbers, was involved in this devastating incident,” said Gambinga.
“This revelation raises profound questions and intensifies our grief. We are committed to uncovering the complete truth and ensuring that justice is served.”
A Life Cut Short
The late Detective Constable Cassandra Hove, who was fatally shot during a gunfight with armed robbers in Bulawayo’s Pumula South suburb two weeks ago, was laid to rest last week at her rural home in Mataruse Village, Mberengwa District, Midlands Province. Hove is survived by four children.
Hove’s death came at a tragic time, as she had recently secured a scholarship to study forensic investigations in Russia. 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.
As Constable Muradzikwa prepares to face justice, the nation mourns the loss of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove, a dedicated officer and a mother, whose life was tragically cut short. The investigation into her death continues, with the hope that the truth will prevail and justice will be served. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the motive behind it remain unclear, and the court proceedings are expected to shed light on these critical aspects of the case.
The ZRP has been under intense scrutiny following the incident, and the outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have significant implications for the force’s reputation and public trust. The family of Detective Constable Hove deserves answers, and the people of Zimbabwe demand accountability.
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