News / National
Cops fatally assault suspect
09 Feb 2014 at 04:29hrs | Views
TWO policemen based at Gezani Police Station in Chiredzi have been hauled before the courts for allegedly fatally assaulting a suspect in a domestic violence case.
Appearing before Chiredzi resident magistrate Mr Honest Musiyiwa last Wednesday, Constable Patrick Matutu (31) and Constable Michael Kutsukutsa (26) were not asked to plead.
They were remanded in custody to 20 February for trial after being denied bail. Mr Musiyiwa advised the pair to apply for bail at the High Court due to the gravity of their case.
Prosecuting, Mr Prosper Chipangura said on 31 January at Chavani Village, Headman Gezani under Chief Sengwe area, the pair proceeded to arrest Rungani Gezani on allegations of domestic violence against his wife, Tsatsawani Chauke.
The court heard that upon their arrival at Gezani's homestead, Constables Matutu and Kutsukutsa asked the now deceased whether he was the accused or not and he denied saying it was his neighbour.
Gezani refused to direct the pair to the neighbour's house and Matutu left to make enquires while Kutsukutsa was holding him hostage.
The court heard that Gezani attempted to run away but Kutsukutsa run after him.
Matutu later joined in and the two managed to get hold of Gezani after which they detained him in his field. They handcuffed him before beating him to a pulp with a dry wooden stick and open hands all over the body.
The court heard that the policemen forced Gezani to run for eight kilometres while they were cycling behind him to the police station.
After travelling for a distance, Gezani complained of dizziness, difficulty in breathing and thirst before collapsing.
Matutu and Kutsukutsa tried to render first aid by pouring water all over his body but failed to resuscitate him. After a few minutes while trying to resuscitate him, he died.
Gezani's lifeless body was then taken to Chiredzi General Hospital mortuary for postmorterm. A report was made to Chiredzi police leading to the pair's arrest.
The stick they also used in assaulting him was recovered during indications and produced in court as an exhibit.
Appearing before Chiredzi resident magistrate Mr Honest Musiyiwa last Wednesday, Constable Patrick Matutu (31) and Constable Michael Kutsukutsa (26) were not asked to plead.
They were remanded in custody to 20 February for trial after being denied bail. Mr Musiyiwa advised the pair to apply for bail at the High Court due to the gravity of their case.
Prosecuting, Mr Prosper Chipangura said on 31 January at Chavani Village, Headman Gezani under Chief Sengwe area, the pair proceeded to arrest Rungani Gezani on allegations of domestic violence against his wife, Tsatsawani Chauke.
The court heard that upon their arrival at Gezani's homestead, Constables Matutu and Kutsukutsa asked the now deceased whether he was the accused or not and he denied saying it was his neighbour.
Gezani refused to direct the pair to the neighbour's house and Matutu left to make enquires while Kutsukutsa was holding him hostage.
The court heard that Gezani attempted to run away but Kutsukutsa run after him.
Matutu later joined in and the two managed to get hold of Gezani after which they detained him in his field. They handcuffed him before beating him to a pulp with a dry wooden stick and open hands all over the body.
The court heard that the policemen forced Gezani to run for eight kilometres while they were cycling behind him to the police station.
After travelling for a distance, Gezani complained of dizziness, difficulty in breathing and thirst before collapsing.
Matutu and Kutsukutsa tried to render first aid by pouring water all over his body but failed to resuscitate him. After a few minutes while trying to resuscitate him, he died.
Gezani's lifeless body was then taken to Chiredzi General Hospital mortuary for postmorterm. A report was made to Chiredzi police leading to the pair's arrest.
The stick they also used in assaulting him was recovered during indications and produced in court as an exhibit.
Source - Sunday News
