Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
POLICE have clarified that Constable Nomore Muradzikwa, who is accused of fatally shooting Detective Constable Cassandra Hove during a March shoot-out with suspected armed robbers, is currently on suspension pending trial.
This follows public concern after Muradzikwa, who is out on US$100 bail, was reportedly seen at court appearing to perform police duties.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Muradzikwa’s presence at court was only linked to cases where he is a witness.
“There are several cases in which he is a witness and must appear in court for the judiciary to complete the matters,” said Comm Nyathi.
Muradzikwa allegedly confessed to accidentally shooting Hove during a police operation against armed robbery suspects in Pumula South on March 6.
The late Detective Constable Hove (37), a member of Bulawayo’s elite all-female CID unit Team Lozikeyi, died after being struck by a bullet that ricocheted during the operation.
According to court documents, Muradzikwa was armed with a CZ pistol when he and his colleagues confronted robbery suspect Fikile Ncube (26) at his Pumula South home.
The accused cocked his firearm and shot at the suspect, hitting him once on the left elbow. The bullet ricocheted and struck the deceased on the left breast, resulting in her death.
“The accused was armed with a CZ pistol serial number BSAP 44 when he advanced towards Fikile Ncube, aged 26, a male adult, NR 28-160313 K 28, residing at house number 14804 Pumula South, Bulawayo, a suspect in a robbery case investigated by CID Homicide,” the State alleges.
The pistol was later recovered from Muradzikwa’s possession. He awaits trial while on suspension from the force.
The incident occurred around 8.40 PM in the Habek area of Pumula South Suburb, where Hove and her colleagues were said to be pursuing suspects involved in a series of armed robberies.
Initial reports had suggested the robbers shot her.
According to court documents, on that particular night, Muradzikwa and Hove were part of a team investigating a robbery case in Pumula South.
