Family of Slain Ruwa Man Demands Justice and Damages from Police Bosses

The family of the late Blessed Believe Juruvenge, who died after being brutally assaulted by a police officer at Ruwa Police Station, has formally notified Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba and the Home Affairs Minister of their intention to sue for damages.

The notice, filed by Mercy Madenyika—Juruvenge’s widow along with her mother-in-law Elipa Jimu and sister-in-law Mellisa Manyepa, accuses Constable Prince Ndavambi of murder and the police establishment of negligence and abuse of authority.

Manyepa, who says she also suffered assault at the hands of Ndavambi, is claiming damages for the pain, humiliation, and ongoing trauma she continues to endure.

“Mellissa Manyepa experienced severe physical pain due to the assaults inflicted on her by Ndavambi, and to date, she is still experiencing pain in her legs.

“Furthermore, Mellisa Manyepa felt greatly humiliated by the assaults which were perpetrated upon him by Constable Ndavambi.

“Mellisa Manyepa, Mercy Madenyika and Eillipa Jim were dependent on the deceased for their maintenance and sustenance.

“The deceased was their breadwinner. The deceased was employed at Bakers Inn as a driver and also did welding and operated a tuckshop to augment his salary,” wrote Paidamoyo Saurombe of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), who is representing the family.

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According to Saurombe, Madenyika is currently pregnant, and the loss of Juruvenge described as the family’s sole provider has left them emotionally devastated and financially crippled.

“Furthermore, our clients are distressed and traumatised by the sudden and callous death of their husband, son and brother at the hands of Constable Ndavambi and are presently receiving psychological assistance from medical professionals.

“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 but nonetheless proceeded with his assaults on the deceased.

“In any event, Constable Ndavambi had boasted to the deceased’s sister, Mellisa, that the deceased was going to be put into a coffin, thus showing that Ndavambi had formed his murderous intent while he was assaulting the deceased.”

The lawyer added that Juruvenge’s death was caused directly by injuries sustained from the brutal attack, which he says violated his constitutional right to life under Section 48 of Zimbabwe’s supreme law.

NewZimbabwe reports that Saurombe also blamed the Officer in Charge at Ruwa Police Station for failing in his duty of care and allowing the use of police premises as torture chambers.

“The assaults by Ndavambi on Mellisa Manyepa and the deceased amount to inhuman, degrading treatment and excessive use of force.

“You are vicariously liable for the damage and harm suffered by our clients because Constable Ndavambi was acting within the scope and course of his duties when he fatally assaulted the deceased and assaulted Mellisa Manyepa.

“Further, 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.

“Accordingly, please be advised of our clients’ intention to sue for the aforementioned damages in terms of the State Liabilities Act as read with section 70 of the Police Act [Chapter 11:10], the sum of which is to be computed in and furnished to yourselves in the Summons commencing action,” the letter concluded.