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ZRP confirms officer on the run after flogging suspect to death
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that 12 days after the alleged assault and death of a suspect in custody, Constable Prince Ndavambi remains at large.
Ndavambi is accused of flogging 30-year-old Believe Blessed Jaravange to death at Ruwa Police Station. Jaravange was arrested on May 27, 2025, following a reported altercation with a resident named Mwazha/Maphosa, who accused him of assault and theft. According to sources, upon detention, Ndavambi ominously warned Jaravange that he would be returning home in a coffin.
Jaravange's sister, Mellisa Manyepa, was also reportedly victimised on the same day for allegedly harbouring a person wanted by the police.
"On 28 May I was informed about my brother's death and was shown his body. We reported the matter to Police General Headquarters, and Commissioner Paul Nyathi personally called Ruwa Police Station ordering the Officer-In-Charge to have Ndavambi arrested. But until now, Ndavambi hasn't been arrested; he even posts statuses on WhatsApp," Manyepa said.
She added that Ndavambi has blocked her calls, making it impossible to reach him.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Ndavambi's disappearance and assured that efforts to arrest him are ongoing.
"Sadly, Constable Ndavambi disappeared as his arrest was imminent. He is currently on the run. Efforts to arrest him are underway for the law to take its course without fear or favour.
"The Commissioner-General of Police, Stephen Mutamba, has made it clear that the law is the law and that no one will sweep this disturbing case under the carpet," the statement said.
Commissioner Nyathi further explained that Ndavambi's docket will be swiftly completed and presented to court for prosecution.
"We are currently appealing for information that may lead to his location and subsequent arrest. He will face the full wrath of the law. The exact charges will be determined by the courts based on police inquiries and the full post-mortem results."
Regarding conflicting reports over the cause of death, Nyathi revealed that two separate autopsies have been conducted by pathologists Dr. Guillen and Dr. Jabangwe. The family has also been encouraged to commission their own independent post-mortem if they so wish.
"Police has noted with concern conflicting reports on the post-mortem results. For the record, two post-mortem examinations have been conducted. The family is free to engage another independent pathologist in line with the country's laws," said Nyathi.
Meanwhile, the family remains undecided about Jaravange's burial, waiting for conclusive results before proceeding.
"We are going to wait for the results before we bury him. Some family members want to sign the burial order, but if we do that, the matter may lose value, and justice might be delayed," Manyepa told NewZimbabwe.
The family has since engaged human rights lawyers to assist with the ongoing case as investigations continue.
Ndavambi is accused of flogging 30-year-old Believe Blessed Jaravange to death at Ruwa Police Station. Jaravange was arrested on May 27, 2025, following a reported altercation with a resident named Mwazha/Maphosa, who accused him of assault and theft. According to sources, upon detention, Ndavambi ominously warned Jaravange that he would be returning home in a coffin.
Jaravange's sister, Mellisa Manyepa, was also reportedly victimised on the same day for allegedly harbouring a person wanted by the police.
"On 28 May I was informed about my brother's death and was shown his body. We reported the matter to Police General Headquarters, and Commissioner Paul Nyathi personally called Ruwa Police Station ordering the Officer-In-Charge to have Ndavambi arrested. But until now, Ndavambi hasn't been arrested; he even posts statuses on WhatsApp," Manyepa said.
She added that Ndavambi has blocked her calls, making it impossible to reach him.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Ndavambi's disappearance and assured that efforts to arrest him are ongoing.
"Sadly, Constable Ndavambi disappeared as his arrest was imminent. He is currently on the run. Efforts to arrest him are underway for the law to take its course without fear or favour.
"The Commissioner-General of Police, Stephen Mutamba, has made it clear that the law is the law and that no one will sweep this disturbing case under the carpet," the statement said.
Commissioner Nyathi further explained that Ndavambi's docket will be swiftly completed and presented to court for prosecution.
"We are currently appealing for information that may lead to his location and subsequent arrest. He will face the full wrath of the law. The exact charges will be determined by the courts based on police inquiries and the full post-mortem results."
Regarding conflicting reports over the cause of death, Nyathi revealed that two separate autopsies have been conducted by pathologists Dr. Guillen and Dr. Jabangwe. The family has also been encouraged to commission their own independent post-mortem if they so wish.
"Police has noted with concern conflicting reports on the post-mortem results. For the record, two post-mortem examinations have been conducted. The family is free to engage another independent pathologist in line with the country's laws," said Nyathi.
Meanwhile, the family remains undecided about Jaravange's burial, waiting for conclusive results before proceeding.
"We are going to wait for the results before we bury him. Some family members want to sign the burial order, but if we do that, the matter may lose value, and justice might be delayed," Manyepa told NewZimbabwe.
The family has since engaged human rights lawyers to assist with the ongoing case as investigations continue.
Source - NewZimbabwe
