Suspect kills self in cells

. . . But family suspects foul play

Abel Zhakata Senior Reporter —
A 20-year-old Dangamvura man reportedly hanged himself in police cells last Saturday following his arrest on rape charges.

Prince Mundandi of House Number 542 NRZ was found hanging from the roof of a holding cell at Odzi Police Station.

Manicaland police spokesman Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa could not comment on the case at the time of going to print saying he was yet to get clearance.

The deceased had been arrested by police in Odzi over a rape case involving a 13-year-old Grade 5 girl.

He was subsequently put into holding cells but was later found dead. Those handling the case revealed that the deceased made a rope from a blanket and hanged himself.

He was alone in the cell. However, relatives of the deceased are not buying the suicide claims saying he was beaten to death.

His cousin brother Lameck Wachi said the deceased had bruises and lacerations all over his body which showed that he was beaten up.

“It is said he committed suicide but there is not enough evidence to support that. He had bruises and lacerations all over the body. When we got into the cell there was an empty bottle and metal rod which we believe might have been used in assaulting my brother.

“Yes, he was hanging by his neck but his feet touched the ground. Actually he was standing on his own. How can then a person hang self from such a position. The legs must be above the ground,” he said.

His mother Mrs Loveness Tarowedza said she was grieved by the way her son died.

“I am grieved because the explanation we got about his death is not convincing. He was arrested around 10am on the day in question and he was pronounced dead at around 4pm the same day.

“He had blood oozing out of his legs and if, indeed, he hanged himself, how can blood ooze out of legs? All this is not adding up. There was a bottle and a metal rod in the cell and you wonder how those objects got into the cell. Have you ever seen a cell with such dangerous things?

“I am burying my son with a heavy heart and I believe that those who had a sinister role which resulted in his death will be made to pay and answer to their crimes,” she said.