A Bulawayo policeman, who allegedly killed a workmate two weeks ago in an argument at a shebeen in Makokoba, was on Tuesday issued with a warrant of arrest.
Jerry Mwembe was supposed to appear in court on Tuesday for routine remand, but did not turn up. He has not yet been charged with murder since he is believed to be on the run following news of the death of Artwell Mawerewere after he allegedly struck him with a brick.
Mwembe was initially charged with attempted murder when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Tawanda Muchemwa as Mawerewere was in a coma at Mpilo Central Hospital.
But the charges were upgraded to murder after Mawerewere died a week later.
The docket was referred back to Mzilikazi Police Station so that Mwembe be charged with murder, but they could not find him.
His name was called three times for him to appear in court to no avail and he was found to be in default. The State applied for a warrant of his arrest which was granted.
Mwembe (31) of Pumula North and stationed at ZRP Stops Camp was on $60 bail.
Malvern Nzombe for the State said Mwembe and Mawerewere, who was stationed at ZRP Ross Camp, were at a shebeen at Vulindlela Flats in Makokoba.
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They later had an argument over an undisclosed issue and the misunderstanding degenerated into a scuffle.
The pair was restrained by onlookers from fighting and Mawerewere left the place in the company of Bernard Bunene.
However, an angry Mwembe followed Mawerewere and Bunene armed with a brick.
He reportedly approached Mawerewere stealthily and hit him once on the head and he fell unconscious.
An ambulance was called and Mawewere was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital where he was admitted until his death a week later.
