Killer cop on the run

Freeman Razemba

Senior Reporter

POLICE have intensified their search for Prince Ndavambi, a 39-year-old police constable based in Ruwa, who has gone into hiding after allegedly assaulting a suspect, Blessed Believe Juruvenge (30), to death while in custody.

According to reports, Ndavambi, stationed at ZRP Ruwa, allegedly assaulted Juruvenge in an attempt to extort US$100 from him.

Juruvenge was arrested on May 27, 2025, in connection with an earlier altercation involving a man identified as Mwazha, who had allegedly used a counterfeit US$50 note to buy groceries from Juruvenge’s tuckshop.

Mwazha initially agreed to pay Juruvenge US$100 in compensation for the incident, but later reported him to the police, accusing him of assault.

Two days after the altercation, Mwazha accompanied Ndavambi to Juruvenge’s home, where both Juruvenge and his sister, Melisa Manyepa, were arrested.

Ndavambi reportedly took Manyepa behind a cabin and assaulted her with a wooden stick before turning his aggression on Juruvenge, beating him severely.

Following the assault, Juruvenge succumbed to his injuries, triggering a public outcry and demands for justice.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi addressed the situation, confirming that a murder docket had been opened against Ndavambi.

He expressed concern over misleading information circulating about Juruvenge’s death and clarified that the police command had acted swiftly upon learning of the incident.

“Sadly, Constable Ndavambi disappeared as his arrest was imminent. He is currently on the run,” Nyathi stated.

He emphasized that efforts to locate and apprehend Ndavambi are ongoing, assuring the public that the police are committed to upholding the law without bias.

Commissioner Nyathi also mentioned conflicting reports regarding post-mortem examinations conducted by pathologists. He assured the Juruvenge family that they were free to engage independent pathologists in line with the country’s laws.

He called for objective media reporting on the incident to avoid distorting facts.

“The law is the law, and no one will sweep this disturbing case under the carpet,” he declared.

The police are appealing for information that could lead to Ndavambi’s arrest. As investigations continue, public scrutiny remains high regarding police accountability and the treatment of suspects in custody.