Nqobizwe Thebe
The family of Blessed Believe Juruvenge, who allegedly died after being tortured while in police custody, is suing Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba for causing his death.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Juruvenge died on 27 May 2025 while detained at Ruwa Police Station after being arrested by Constable Prince Ndavambi.
In a statement posted on ZLHR’s verified X account, the organisation detailed that Constable Ndavambi, accompanied by a man identified as Maphosa, visited Juruvenge’s home in Ruwa. They were shown to his bedroom by Mellisa Manyepa, the deceased’s half-sister, after Ndavambi identified himself as a police officer. The officers then took Juruvenge to Ruwa Police Station.
Later, Constable Ndavambi summoned Manyepa to the police station. When she said she lacked bus fare, he, along with Maphosa, another officer named Sithole, and an unidentified female officer, went to collect her.
Upon arrival at the station, Ndavambi accused Manyepa of harbouring a suspect and extorting US$100 from Maphosa. According to ZLHR, he then assaulted her with a hoe handle until it broke. A female officer reportedly pleaded with him to stop, but he ignored her.
Ndavambi then demanded access to Juruvenge’s mobile phone and took him from the holding cells to the office where Manyepa was being held. While Juruvenge was handcuffed, Ndavambi allegedly assaulted him all over the body with the same hoe handle.
Manyepa estimated the assault lasted between 40 minutes to an hour. At one point, she began crying, to which Ndavambi allegedly responded, “You are going to cry until tears of blood come out of your eyes.” He then reportedly pointed to a coffin nearby and told her Juruvenge would end up in it, claiming that Ruwa Police Station officers were known for severely beating detainees.
ZLHR further alleged that Ndavambi boasted about smoking cannabis to become “unreasonable” and continued the assault. After Juruvenge could no longer stand, Ndavambi demanded money from Manyepa, who was then ordered to leave. When Juruvenge asked for water, officers refused.
The following day, 28 May 2025, police summoned Manyepa to bring Juruvenge’s ID card. Upon her arrival, the Officer-in-Charge informed her that Juruvenge had stopped breathing during the night and had been taken to a rehabilitation centre, where he was pronounced dead.
Manyepa reportedly informed the Officer-in-Charge that Juruvenge had been severely assaulted the previous day. Upon viewing the body, she noted visible injuries beneath his feet, on his legs, and on his back.
ZLHR stated that Manyepa also suffered lasting injuries from the beatings and continues to experience pain in her legs.
The lawsuit has been filed by Juruvenge’s dependents: his pregnant partner Madenyika, his half-sister Manyepa, and another relative, Jim. They are represented by lawyers Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Paidamoyo Saurombe from ZLHR.
The legal team stated that the trio is traumatised and receiving psychological care. They claim that Juruvenge’s death violated his constitutional right to life (Section 48), and that the assault on both him and Manyepa amounted to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
Juruvenge, who worked as a driver at Bakers Inn and supplemented his income through welding and running a tuckshop, was the primary breadwinner for the family.
In their notice of intention to sue, the family stated that the amount of damages being sought will be detailed in summons to be filed in court. They also accused the implicated police officers of violating their constitutional duties.
