Off-Duty Officer Hospitalized After Attempting To Be A Peacemaker In A Brutal Bar Attack

An off-duty police officer was assaulted in a bar fight after he tried to play peacemaker and de-escalate a fight.

What began as a casual football viewing session turned violent for an off-duty police officer who suffered severe injuries while intervening in a chaotic bar fight last weekend in Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb.

Off-Duty Police Officer Hospitalised After Bar Fight

Constable Howard Chirowodza, dressed in civilian attire, had been enjoying a local football match at a sports bar when the situation rapidly deteriorated. Witnesses report that an aggressive patron identified only as “Prince” suddenly initiated physical confrontations with multiple attendees.

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“The suspect became verbally abusive before launching unprovoked attacks on bystanders,” stated an eyewitness who requested anonymity. “His behavior escalated from threats to actual violence within minutes.”

Brave Intervention Turns Violent

Attempting to restore order, Constable Chirowodza stepped in to separate the combatants. However, the intervention backfired dramatically when the assailant redirected his aggression toward the peacekeeping officer.

According to multiple accounts, the suspect delivered a powerful blow to the constable’s face, causing immediate nasal bleeding and knocking him to the ground. The attack continued with the assailant kicking the downed officer before fleeing the scene.

Police Launch Manhunt for Suspect

Western Commonage Police Station has confirmed receiving the assault report and has initiated a search operation for the wanted individual. Medical reports indicate the injured officer sustained facial trauma and neck injuries requiring professional treatment.

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Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to contact their nearest police station immediately. Authorities emphasise that assaulting police personnel—whether on or off duty—constitutes a serious criminal offence.

As of publication time, investigators continue pursuing leads while the assaulted officer recovers from his injuries. The incident has sparked conversations about violence prevention in public entertainment venues.