Online Reporter
Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]
BULAWAYO’S Pumula suburb became a scene of a heart-breaking tragedy on Thursday night when a female detective from the Criminal Investigations Department’s crack Homicide Unit was shot dead in the line of duty. Her life, dedicated to protecting the city, was extinguished as she and her colleagues pursued suspected armed robbers.
Detective Constable Cassandra Hove (37), a dedicated officer who had committed her life to protecting citizens from criminals, was killed in the line of duty in Pumula South, Habek area, after sustaining gunshot wounds to her upper limbs. She was part of a team of detectives engaged in a raid against armed robbers suspected of targeting service stations throughout the city.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:40PM, with her team rushing her to a nearby private clinic where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations into Detective Constable Hove’s death are ongoing.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with the tragic and unfortunate death of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove of CID Homicide Bulawayo on March 6, 2025 while pursuing armed robbery suspects. The shooting incident occurred at Habek area, Pumula South, Bulawayo,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said that Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba is mourning Detective Constable Hove, while assuring that a comprehensive investigation is underway to establish the precise circumstances of the incident. He stressed that law enforcement is declaring war against violent crimes, while appealing to members of the public to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
“The ZRP reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robberies and other violent crimes in the country. The public should feel free to give information on criminal movements on Complaints Desk number 0242703631 or WhatsApp number 0712800197,” he said.
Just hours before her death, Detective Constable Hove had posted a seemingly cryptic message on her Facebook page, “Usandipusha, ndofamba ndega . . . Ndini zvangu ndichiudza ngirozi musi we judgement day,” translating to “do not push me, I can walk on my own, that will be me saying that to an angel on judgement day.” This led to an outpouring of grief, with many mourning her death while others suggested her message could be interpreted as a premonition of her demise. A source close to the investigation revealed that her death occurred during a pursuit of suspects wanted for armed robberies targeting fuel stations.
“She was shot and sustained a wound on her breast during an exchange of fire with armed robbers.
Recently, the city recorded a series of armed robberies at fuel service stations. In one of the nights, five fuel stations were raided. So, CID detectives were following up on a tip-off, but unfortunately the armed robbers shot and subsequently killed the cop,” said a source.
The shooting is said to have happened so quickly that residents in the area were left shocked.
“Although we heard gunshots, we couldn’t tell what really transpired. I heard three gunshots. I was scared to go out and check what was happening, but some few residents went to the scene but didn’t stay long. It is only today that we learnt that a cop had been shot and killed. Our neighbourhoods are becoming unsafe. We hope the police will soon get to the bottom of the matter,” said a Pumula South resident who preferred not to be named.
