Ruwa police officer who beat suspect to death freed on bail despite weeks on the run
A Ruwa police officer who allegedly killed a man in custody has sparked national outrage after being granted bail despite being on the run for nearly two weeks.
Constable Prince Ndavambi, 39, is accused of fatally beating 30-year-old Blessed Believe Juruvenge while in custody at Ruwa Police Station in late May. The officer was finally arrested on 10 June 2025 and appeared in court the following day. He was granted bail of US$400 (approx. R7,400) and remanded to 2 July.
“He kept beating him”
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ):
“Allegations are that on the 27th of May 2025, the accused arrested a man in connection with assault and theft and took him to ZRP Ruwa. While in custody, it is alleged that the accused assaulted the suspect with a hoe handle before detaining him in the cells.”
Juruvenge, who had been accused of assaulting a fellow resident over a US$200 (approx. R3,700) dispute, died within 24 hours of his arrest.
His sister, Melissa Manyepa, who was present at the station, gave a harrowing account to investigators:
“He said Blessed would leave the station dead. He just kept beating him.”
She claimed she too was slapped after refusing to back the police version of events.
Bail despite manhunt
Ndavambi reportedly disappeared from duty on 28 May, the day Juruvenge died at Ruwa Rehabilitation Clinic. For almost two weeks, he evaded arrest.
Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, saying:
“The police officer Constable Prince Ndavambi has been arrested.”
But what shocked many was what came next.
According to instigative journalist Maynard Manyowa, posting on X:
“Unbelievable. He appeared in court shortly after being arrested. His police colleagues, who watched him beating the man to death, did not oppose bail. Despite him having gone on the run. He was let out on $300 bail.”
While NewZimbabwe.com reports the bail was US$400, critics say any amount was unjustified.
One legal expert questioned the move:
“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.”
“Justice must be seen to be done”
The case has drawn widespread condemnation. Civil society groups and the Juruvenge family have demanded transparency.
Juruvenge’s body remains unburied at Parirenyatwa Hospital. His family refuses to proceed with burial until there is accountability.
Multiple eyewitnesses allege other officers were present during the beating. One reportedly handed Ndavambi handcuffs. Another allegedly said:
“Your relative is going to leave here in a police coffin.”
As the case heads to trial, pressure mounts on the National Prosecuting Authority. The public is demanding justice—not just for one man, but for the system as a whole.
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The post Outrage As Ruwa Cop Who Killed Suspect In Custody Walks Free On Bail Despite Weeks On The Run appeared first on iHarare News.
