The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that Constable Prince Ndavambi, the officer accused of fatally assaulting a 30-year-old man in police custody, remains at large nearly two weeks after the alleged crime. The incident, which occurred at Ruwa Police Station, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for accountability within the force.
The victim, Believe Blessed Jaravange, was arrested on May 27, 2025, in connection with an alleged assault and theft case reported by a complainant identified only as Mwazha or Maphosa. He never made it home. According to multiple sources, Jaravange died the following day after allegedly being brutally flogged by Constable Ndavambi while in custody.
Shockingly, it has emerged that the officer allegedly threatened Jaravange prior to his death. “He told him he would return home in a coffin,” said a source familiar with the events. That chilling threat tragically came true, as Jaravange’s battered body was later shown to family members.
His sister, Mellisa Manyepa, who has since emerged as the family’s spokesperson, says the ordeal has devastated the entire household. She claims she too was harassed by Constable Ndavambi for allegedly “harbouring a wanted person.” Manyepa described her disbelief and heartbreak upon being notified of her brother’s death on May 28.
Police Officer Still on the Run 12 Days After Suspect’s Death in Custody
“I was shown his body and couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” said Manyepa. “We immediately reported the matter to Police General Headquarters. Commissioner Paul Nyathi personally called the Ruwa Officer-In-Charge, instructing them to arrest Ndavambi. But nothing happened. He’s still free and even updating his WhatsApp status. When I try to call, I get a message saying the line is unavailable. He’s blocked me.”
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has since confirmed Ndavambi’s disappearance. “Constable Ndavambi vanished as his arrest became imminent. He is currently on the run, and police are making all efforts to locate and apprehend him,” Nyathi said in an official statement.
He reiterated the police force’s zero-tolerance policy on abuse of power, stating that the Commissioner-General of Police, Stephen Mutamba, has vowed to ensure that the case is not swept under the rug. “No one is above the law,” Nyathi emphasized.
A criminal docket is being compiled, and Ndavambi is expected to face charges related to murder or culpable homicide once apprehended. Nyathi added that the exact nature of the charges would depend on post-mortem results and findings from ongoing investigations.
However, the post-mortem process has become a source of confusion and frustration for the Jaravange family. Two separate autopsies have reportedly been conducted—one by Dr. Guillen and another by Dr. Jabangwe—but their results have yet to be released publicly. In light of this, the family has been advised they may seek a third opinion by commissioning an independent pathologist, as allowed under Zimbabwean law.
“We’ve been advised to wait for the final post-mortem results before burying him,” said Manyepa. “Some relatives want to go ahead with the burial, but we’re concerned that might compromise our case. We need justice, not just closure.”
To that end, the family has engaged human rights lawyers to support them in what is likely to become a protracted legal and human rights battle. They say they won’t rest until the officer responsible is held accountable.
The public, too, is increasingly restless. The case has stirred widespread debate on police brutality, misconduct, and the impunity that some officers appear to enjoy. Human rights groups have condemned the delay in making an arrest, saying it undermines public confidence in the justice system.
“It’s been nearly two weeks, and no arrest has been made. That’s unacceptable,” said one activist. “The police must demonstrate that they are serious about accountability, even when it involves their own.”
As the investigation continues, the ZRP has appealed to the public for assistance in tracking down the fugitive officer. “Anyone with information on Constable Ndavambi’s whereabouts should come forward. Justice must be served,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
In the meantime, Jaravange’s family remains in limbo—unable to bury their loved one, and unable to find peace until his killer is brought to justice.
