A RUWA-BASED police officer accused of fatally assaulting a suspect has had his bail revoked and a warrant of arrest issued after he failed to appear for trial at the High Court.
Prince Ndavambi (39), of Waterfalls, Harare, had been released on US$400 bail and was due to stand trial, with five State witnesses lined up to testify against him.
According to court records, on April 27 last year, Ndavambi and fellow officers, Constables Changorera and Mundofa, arrested the now deceased in Damofalls Phase 1 on allegations of assault and theft.
Ndavambi was the investigating officer in the case.
The court heard that after the suspect was detained in police cells, Ndavambi allegedly booked him out and took him to a nearby room for questioning.
During the interview, Ndavambi is accused of repeatedly assaulting the suspect with a hoe handle.
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The suspect was allegedly returned to the cells struggling to walk and speak.
He was later taken to Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre for treatment before being referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where he died from injuries allegedly sustained during the assault.
His body was taken to a mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
The first examination, conducted by Gullien, recommended toxicology and histology tests.
A second post-mortem by Javangwe supported the need for the tests.
Javangwe concluded that the cause of death was hypovolaemic shock and intramuscular haemorrhage resulting from blunt force trauma.