A Bulawayo policeman who was struck with a brick last week allegedly by a workmate during an argument at a shebeen in Makokoba and left in a coma, has died.
Artwell Mawerewere died on Thursday morning at Mpilo Central Hospital where he was admitted last week after the brutal attack allegedly by his colleague, Jerry Mwembe.
Although police yesterday could not confirm Mawerewere’s death, insiders said murder charges would be preferred against Mwembe, who was released on bail early this week.
“Yes, he (Mawerewere) died yesterday (Thursday) and efforts are being made to locate Mwembe so that murder charges can be preferred against him. The victim had been in a coma since last week when he was attacked until his death yesterday,” said a police source.
A court official based at Tredgold Building also confirmed the death and said the docket had already been sent back to Mzilikazi Police Station for the change of the charge from attempted murder to murder.
Mwembe (31), of Pumula North and stationed at ZRP Stops Camp, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Tawanda Muchemwa facing attempted murder charges.
He was remanded out of custody on $60 bail to September 23.
Malvern Nzombe, for the State, told the court that last week, Mwembe and the now deceased, who was also stationed at ZRP Ross Camp, were at a shebeen at Vulindlela Flats in Makokoba.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mwembe reportedly picked an argument with his workmate over an undisclosed issue.
The misunderstanding allegedly eventually degenerated into a fight. The two were restrained by other patrons and Mawerewere left the place in the company of a witness, Bernard Bunene.
However, Mwembe allegedly followed Mawerewere and Bunene armed with a brick.
He allegedly hit Mawerewere once on the head and the latter lost consciousness. An ambulance was called to the scene and Mawerewere was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment where he was admitted until his death on Thursday.
