Constable Ndavambi arrested after suspect’s death in custody

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of Constable Prince Ndavambi, who had been on the run following the death of 30-year-old Blessed Believe Juruvenge.

Ndavambi was identified as the main suspect in a murder investigation launched shortly after Juruvenge died on May 28, a day after he was allegedly severely assaulted while in police custody at ZRP Ruwa.

Juruvenge, a tuck-shop owner and pirate taxi driver from Damafalls, was arrested on May 27 by Constable Ndavambi and a complainant identified as Mwazha.

This followed a report that Juruvenge had assaulted Mwazha during a dispute over a counterfeit US$50 note used at his shop.

According to police documents, after the arrest, Ndavambi allegedly assaulted Juruvenge and his sister Melisa Manyepa with a wooden stick, demanding they repay US$100.

He also reportedly threatened to kill them if the money was not returned. Juruvenge became unconscious during the beating and was dragged back into the holding cells.

That night, a duty officer found him struggling to breathe, and he was taken to Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre, where he died early the next morning.

Following the death, Ndavambi fled, prompting a nationwide manhunt. Police confirmed that he has now been located and arrested.

ZRP Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba stressed that justice would be served without bias.

Meanwhile, two post-mortem examinations have been conducted after Juruvenge’s family raised concerns over discrepancies in the first report.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Online sources