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Family of torture victim to sue Zimbabwe police
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The grieving family of Blessed Believe Juruvenge, who died after allegedly being tortured by a police officer at Ruwa Police Station, has formally notified authorities of their intention to sue for damages.
The widow, Mercy Madenyika, her mother-in-law Elipa Jimu, and sister-in-law Mellisa Manyepa, through their lawyer Paidamoyo Saurombe of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), have written to Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, demanding accountability for what they described as a brutal and unlawful killing.
According to the legal notice, the family holds Constable Prince Ndavambi responsible for Juruvenge's death. Ndavambi is already facing murder charges in connection with the incident.
"Constable Prince Ndavambi intentionally and unlawfully caused the death of the deceased in that he continuously assaulted the deceased, realising the possibility that death would eventuate from the assaults," read part of the letter.
The notice further revealed shocking allegations that during the assault, Ndavambi boasted to the deceased's sister, Mellisa Manyepa, that her brother was "going to be put into a coffin," suggesting premeditated intent.
Manyepa herself is also seeking compensation for pain, suffering and humiliation, as she was allegedly assaulted by Ndavambi during the same incident. She continues to suffer pain in her legs due to the attack.
The letter emphasized the emotional and financial toll the death has had on the family. Juruvenge, a driver at Bakers Inn who also ran a tuckshop and did welding work, was the breadwinner for the family. His widow, who is currently pregnant, now faces the prospect of raising a child without financial support or her husband.
"Our clients are distressed and traumatised by the sudden and callous death of their husband, son and brother… and are presently receiving psychological assistance," wrote Saurombe.
The legal team accuses the Officer in Charge at Ruwa Police Station of failing in his duty of care, allowing police premises to be used as torture chambers, thereby violating the deceased's constitutional right to life as enshrined in Section 48 of the Zimbabwean Constitution.
They also assert that the conduct of Ndavambi constituted inhuman and degrading treatment, with the State being vicariously liable, as the officer was acting within the scope of his duties at the time of the incident.
"The conduct of the police officers in question is a breach of the constitutional obligation of the police service to protect and secure the lives of Zimbabwean citizens as provided for in terms of Section 219(1)(c) of the Constitution," the letter reads.
The family has invoked the State Liabilities Act and Section 70 of the Police Act in their intention to claim damages, with the exact amount to be determined in court.
The tragic death of Juruvenge has reignited debate over police brutality, accountability, and the use of excessive force by state security agents. Human rights groups have called for independent investigations and institutional reforms to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The widow, Mercy Madenyika, her mother-in-law Elipa Jimu, and sister-in-law Mellisa Manyepa, through their lawyer Paidamoyo Saurombe of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), have written to Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, demanding accountability for what they described as a brutal and unlawful killing.
According to the legal notice, the family holds Constable Prince Ndavambi responsible for Juruvenge's death. Ndavambi is already facing murder charges in connection with the incident.
"Constable Prince Ndavambi intentionally and unlawfully caused the death of the deceased in that he continuously assaulted the deceased, realising the possibility that death would eventuate from the assaults," read part of the letter.
The notice further revealed shocking allegations that during the assault, Ndavambi boasted to the deceased's sister, Mellisa Manyepa, that her brother was "going to be put into a coffin," suggesting premeditated intent.
Manyepa herself is also seeking compensation for pain, suffering and humiliation, as she was allegedly assaulted by Ndavambi during the same incident. She continues to suffer pain in her legs due to the attack.
The letter emphasized the emotional and financial toll the death has had on the family. Juruvenge, a driver at Bakers Inn who also ran a tuckshop and did welding work, was the breadwinner for the family. His widow, who is currently pregnant, now faces the prospect of raising a child without financial support or her husband.
"Our clients are distressed and traumatised by the sudden and callous death of their husband, son and brother… and are presently receiving psychological assistance," wrote Saurombe.
The legal team accuses the Officer in Charge at Ruwa Police Station of failing in his duty of care, allowing police premises to be used as torture chambers, thereby violating the deceased's constitutional right to life as enshrined in Section 48 of the Zimbabwean Constitution.
They also assert that the conduct of Ndavambi constituted inhuman and degrading treatment, with the State being vicariously liable, as the officer was acting within the scope of his duties at the time of the incident.
"The conduct of the police officers in question is a breach of the constitutional obligation of the police service to protect and secure the lives of Zimbabwean citizens as provided for in terms of Section 219(1)(c) of the Constitution," the letter reads.
The family has invoked the State Liabilities Act and Section 70 of the Police Act in their intention to claim damages, with the exact amount to be determined in court.
The tragic death of Juruvenge has reignited debate over police brutality, accountability, and the use of excessive force by state security agents. Human rights groups have called for independent investigations and institutional reforms to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Source - newzimbabwe
