Ruwa Police Officer Who Killed Suspect In Custody Finally Arrested After Weeks On The Run

Ruwa Cop Finally Arrested After Beating Suspect To Death In Custody

The police officer accused of fatally assaulting 30-year-old Blessed Believe Juruvenge while in custody has finally been arrested. Constable Prince Ndavambi, who vanished shortly after Juruvenge’s death at Ruwa Police Station, is now in custody.

“Good evening, the police officer Constable Prince Ndavambi has been arrested,” said Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a short but significant statement to DugUP.

Weeks on the run

Ndavambi had been on the run for several weeks after learning a docket had been opened. He reportedly disappeared from duty without explanation shortly after Juruvenge died in police custody.

The arrest marks a turning point in a case that has drawn national outrage. Juruvenge, a husband and father-to-be, was taken from his Dammer Falls home on 28 May 2025 over a disputed US$200 (approx. R3,700). His family maintains the matter had already been resolved privately.

His sister, Melissa Ma, was present at the station and says she watched her brother being brutally beaten.

“He said Blessed would leave the station dead. He just kept beating him,” Melissa told investigators.

She too was allegedly slapped and assaulted after refusing to support the police’s version of events.

“This wasn’t an interrogation”

Reports say Ndavambi used a wooden hoe handle to beat Juruvenge, while other officers stood by. One even handed him a pair of handcuffs. According to DugUp, multiple witnesses said:

“Your relative is going to leave here in a police coffin.”

Juruvenge died within 24 hours. He was never formally charged. His body has remained in the mortuary at Parirenyatwa Hospital, as the family refused to bury him without accountability.

“We want the truth. Not excuses. Not cover-ups,” said a family representative.

Legal experts weigh in

Now that Ndavambi is in custody, attention turns to the justice system. Will he get bail?

A legal expert explained:

“The magistrate’s court has no power to grant bail for murder. He must apply at the High Court. Someone who has been on the run is unlikely to be granted bail.”

Another lawyer added:

“Prosecutors will strongly oppose any bail application. It took a manhunt to find him.”

The arrest has placed pressure on the Prosecutor General and the National Prosecuting Authority. Civil society groups and the Juruvenge family say the trial must be public and transparent.