Zimbabwe Cop Gets 10-Year Jail Term For Fatal Shooting Of Suspect
A police officer has been sentenced to 10 years in jail after he was found guilty of recklessly shooting and killing a suspect during an arrest attempt.
Court rules on reckless shooting
The High Court in Chinhoyi handed down the sentence on 8 September 2025. Justice Phildah Muzofa ruled that officer Talent Mabvuwo, a 15-year veteran of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, was guilty of murder with constructive intention.
The court was told that Mabvuwo fired three shots through a closed bedroom door in Berejena Village, Makonde, on 9 May 2024. The bullets killed Douglas Sivaminyile, who was wanted in connection with violent assault cases.
Delivering judgment, Justice Muzofa said:
“The accused ought to have foreseen that firing three shots through a closed door would result in death. He chose to proceed despite the clear danger. Police officers are trained to use minimum force.”
The court found that evidence disproved Mabvuwo’s claim that Sivaminyile had attacked with an axe. Post-mortem results showed Sivaminyile was shot while behind the door and posed no immediate threat.
Judge weighs sentence
In mitigation, the defence highlighted Mabvuwo’s clean service record, his family responsibilities, and his financial assistance towards Sivaminyile’s funeral.
Justice Muzofa, however, stressed that the impact of the death could not be ignored. She said Sivaminyile had been the primary caregiver to his disabled child.
The judge remarked:
“The right to life is sacrosanct. Officers are entrusted to protect it, not to take it away recklessly. The sentence imposed must balance justice, deterrence and mercy.”
The 10-year sentence was meant to send a message that abuse of force would not be tolerated, even by long-serving officers.
Public interest in the case
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the nature of the incident and the involvement of a veteran officer.
Court officials emphasised that alternatives to the shooting existed, such as calling for backup. Justice Muzofa underlined that officers must explore safer methods before resorting to lethal force.
The judgment has also sparked discussion on the importance of upholding human rights in law enforcement operations.
“The accused did not explore safer alternatives. He went straight for gunfire. That was reckless,” the court stated.
Mabvuwo will serve his sentence while the Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to face scrutiny over the conduct of its officers in high-risk arrests.
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The post Trigger Happy Police Officer Jailed For Murder After Shooting Suspect During Arrest appeared first on iHarare News.
