Policeman Jailed For Killing Man Who Tried To Run Away In Gwanda
A Gwanda policeman has been jailed for shooting and killing a suspect who was running away. The bullet struck the man in the buttock as he fled, leading to his death the next day in hospital.
Shot For Running
Philip Mwinde (43), a serving police officer, was sentenced by the Gwanda Regional Court to four years behind bars after being found guilty of culpable homicide. However, two years of the sentence were suspended, leaving him with an effective two-year prison term.
The incident happened on 30 January 2020, in the Farvic area of Colleen Bawn, when Mwinde and two other officers attempted to arrest a suspect wanted for assault.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA):
“They spotted the now deceased and an unknown male walking together. Upon seeing the police vehicle, the two started to run.”
Mwinde gave chase and fired two warning shots, the court heard. But when the man continued to run, he fired again — this time aiming directly at him.
“The offender shot him once in the left buttock, causing him to fall,” said the NPA.
Fatal Wound
After the shooting, the officers found the suspect bleeding from a gunshot wound that had also pierced his right lower abdomen. He was rushed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital and later transferred to United Bulawayo Hospitals, where he died the following day, 31 January 2020.
The NPA noted:
“The now deceased succumbed to the injuries while admitted at United Bulawayo Hospitals.”
Despite the seriousness of the charge, the court opted for a lesser conviction of culpable homicide, not murder. It also suspended half of the sentence for five years on condition that Mwinde does not commit a similar offence.
Justice Served?
The incident has raised serious questions over the use of deadly force by law enforcement, especially in cases involving suspects fleeing on foot.
The man’s identity has not been disclosed publicly. There is also no mention of the name or whereabouts of the unknown male who was with him when he was shot.
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