Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
THE High Court has issued a warrant of arrest and revoked bail for a Ruwa-based police officer accused of fatally assaulting a suspect in police custody after he failed to appear for trial.
Prince Ndavambi, a police officer based in Ruwa who was out on US$400 bail facing a murder charge, was expected to stand trial before the High Court.
Five State witnesses had been lined up to testify against him.
His failure to attend court prompted the judge to revoke his bail and issue a warrant for his arrest.
Ndavambi, of Waterfalls, Harare, is accused of causing the death of a suspect who had been arrested in connection with an assault and theft case.
According to the State, on April 27, 2025, at about 7am, Ndavambi, together with Constables Changorera and Mundofa, arrested the now-deceased in Damofalls Phase 1 in connection with a case of assault and theft being investigated under ZRP Ruwa CR 185/04/25.
The accused was the investigating officer in the matter.
After the suspect was detained in police cells, it is alleged that Ndavambi later booked him out and took him to a nearby room for questioning.
During the interview, the State alleges that Ndavambi assaulted the suspect repeatedly with a hoe handle. The suspect was subsequently returned to the holding cells but was reportedly unable to walk or speak.
At around 9pm, he was taken to Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre for treatment before being referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
He later succumbed to the injuries he had allegedly sustained during the assault before receiving treatment at the referral hospital.
The body was taken to the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
An initial post-mortem conducted by Dr Gullien recommended further toxicology and histology tests. A second opinion by Dr Javangwe also supported the need for the specialised examinations.
Following the completion of the tests, Dr Javangwe concluded that the cause of death was hypovolaemic shock and intramuscular haemorrhage resulting from blunt force trauma.
