Prisons officer dies after mob assault

A Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officer stationed at Chinhoyi Remand Prison has died after sustaining severe injuries during what police describe as a mob attempt to carry out a citizens' arrest. The incident has stirred controversy amid allegations that the officer was involved in a series of armed robberies in the area.

The deceased, Tawanda Marumahoko (34), was out on bail for several armed robbery cases when he was implicated in a newly reported staged robbery along the Harare–Chirundu Road. The alleged offence took place on November 14, 2025, near the Mashonaland West Provincial Heroes Acre, where US$10 000 and a cellphone were reportedly stolen from a bread delivery truck travelling from Banket to Chinhoyi.

According to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the truck driver, Kenneth Tsvarisai (32), was arrested on November 15 after detectives received information linking him to the robbery. Nyathi said investigations later established that Tsvarisai had allegedly supplied inside information and conspired with accomplices to fake the robbery soon after receiving the cash from his manager.

Following his arrest, Tsvarisai allegedly implicated Marumahoko, leading to the recovery of US$4 680, believed to be part of the stolen amount. Marumahoko is also said to have admitted using US$300 of the money to hire a lawyer after learning of Tsvarisai's arrest. Detectives later recovered an Eko P29 ONT 007 blowgun loaded with eight rounds at the scene of the alleged crime.

Commissioner Nyathi said Marumahoko sustained the fatal injuries during crime scene indications. He claimed that the prison officer attempted to escape and was intercepted by members of the public who had mobilised to effect a citizens' arrest. Marumahoko was taken to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, where he died upon admission.

Police say investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death, including the events leading to the alleged mob assault. A search is ongoing for two remaining suspects identified only as William and Spencer, who are believed to have participated in the staged robbery.