News / National
Murder-accused officer returns to duty
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Residents of Malalume Village in Bulilima District say they are living in fear following the return to duty of a police officer previously accused of murder.
Constable Blessed Moyo, stationed at the Malalume police base, was arrested in May 2025 after the remains of a man he had detained were discovered in a pit latrine behind the local clinic, which also houses the police station. Authorities recovered the victim's skull, bones, torn clothing, a bloodied knife, and handcuffs at the scene.
Moyo was initially denied bail when he appeared in court. However, villagers say they are shocked to see him back in uniform and accuse the police of failing to provide an explanation for his reinstatement.
"How can a man accused of such a crime come back to work as if nothing happened? We deserve to know why he is back on duty," one resident said. Another alleged corruption, claiming ordinary citizens would never be freed under similar circumstances. "If it was one of us, we would still be in jail today, maybe even without a trial. But because he is a police officer, they protect him. We are not fools; something is being hidden," they said.
Witnesses say the victim, who had been accused of stealing food and clothes, was beaten with a mopane switch, sjambok, cooking stick, and plastic pick handle while in Moyo's custody. His health reportedly deteriorated, and he was never seen again until his remains were discovered months later.
The officer's return has reportedly eroded trust in law enforcement and left villagers fearful. "His coming back has broken us completely. We used to believe the police were there to protect us, but now we are asking ourselves: who will protect us from the police?" another resident said.
Attempts to obtain a comment from national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi were unsuccessful.
Constable Blessed Moyo, stationed at the Malalume police base, was arrested in May 2025 after the remains of a man he had detained were discovered in a pit latrine behind the local clinic, which also houses the police station. Authorities recovered the victim's skull, bones, torn clothing, a bloodied knife, and handcuffs at the scene.
Moyo was initially denied bail when he appeared in court. However, villagers say they are shocked to see him back in uniform and accuse the police of failing to provide an explanation for his reinstatement.
"How can a man accused of such a crime come back to work as if nothing happened? We deserve to know why he is back on duty," one resident said. Another alleged corruption, claiming ordinary citizens would never be freed under similar circumstances. "If it was one of us, we would still be in jail today, maybe even without a trial. But because he is a police officer, they protect him. We are not fools; something is being hidden," they said.
Witnesses say the victim, who had been accused of stealing food and clothes, was beaten with a mopane switch, sjambok, cooking stick, and plastic pick handle while in Moyo's custody. His health reportedly deteriorated, and he was never seen again until his remains were discovered months later.
The officer's return has reportedly eroded trust in law enforcement and left villagers fearful. "His coming back has broken us completely. We used to believe the police were there to protect us, but now we are asking ourselves: who will protect us from the police?" another resident said.
Attempts to obtain a comment from national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi were unsuccessful.
Source - Cite
