Own Correspondent
A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer and four others have been arrested for the brutal murder of 16-year-old Ruvimbo Kamugwala, who was accused of stealing US$100.
The accused persons were identified as Nicola Kadonzvo (28) of Plot 26, Parl Farm; Gerald Mupandawana Makore (38) of Saidi Homestead, Parl Farm, a security officer at Reddone; Afrochine, Judith Mungandu (45) of Plot 85, Parl Farm; Tafadzwa Gerald Madzima (22) of Seruwe Police Camp, a ZRP member at Saruwe Police station and Tawenga Munoda (21) of Plot 17, Spencer Farm, a member of the Neighborhood Watch at ZRP Seruwe.
“The accused persons took turns assaulting the deceased with switches, an electric cable, tree sticks, and her stepfather used his safety shoes to kick her, causing severe injuries,” said Almsdeeds Dambiranwa, Kamugwala’s uncle and village head.
Kamugwala’s mother, Precious Chawasarira, fought back tears as she described the pain of losing her child. “I am the mother of the deceased child. It hurts so much because my child is no more. They didn’t listen to me when I told them to report the matter to the police and wait for me to come and settle the dispute.”
The accused, including ZRP officer Tafadzwa Gerald Madzima, allegedly handcuffed Kamugwala to a tree and continued beating her, despite being warned to stop by an eyewitness.
Dambiranwa recalled the whole incident, saying, “On 17 July 2024, at around 2 PM, the deceased was tasked with cleaning Kadonzvo’s house.
“After completing the task, she returned to her residence”.
The deceased’s uncle added that after she left, Kadonzvo later discovered that $100 was missing. She teamed up with Makore and Mungandu, dragging the girl into her car and severely assaulting her. They later took her to the local shops before proceeding to ZRP Seruwe Afrochine Police Base.
“The accused interrogated the deceased, who denied stealing the money.
“The accused took turns assaulting the deceased with switches and an electric cable, tree sticks, and her stepfather used his safety shoes to kick her causing severe injuries.
“They drove her to the local shops, where they continued beating her despite being warned to stop doing so by an eye witness Joel Chitupa.”
The crime scene was attended by a team of investigators from ZRP Seruwe, CIU Norton and CID Norton, who collectively processed the scene and gathered evidence.
“We urge the people of Zimbabwe to help us ensure that justice is served for her,” said Dambiranwa.
In a shocking twist, it was later discovered that one of the accused’s sons was the actual culprit who stole the money, not Kamugwala.
The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice for the young girl and her family.
Zim GBC News