…’Masvingo police tries to sweep case under carpet’
Courage Dutiro
A Masvingo ‘illegal’ money changer was left ruing his actions to evade law enforcement agents after being hospitalized at Masvingo Provincial Hospital following an alleged attack by a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer on Saturday September 11 at Victoria Hotel during a blitz targeting illegal money changers and vendors.
Justice Murambwi (37) of Runyararo West Suburb said he met this fate at the hands of a ‘ruthless’ officer who slid him on the pavement as he tried to negotiate his escape route from their area of operation popularly known as paChicken Inn.
“We were at Victoria Hotel when the police pounced on us. One of the officers tackled me and I fell to the ground leading to severe injuries I sustained on my right leg. X-ray results are showing that the leg sustained two fractures, one on the ankle joint and the other one on the fibula. The doctor said this could cause permanent injury.
“The case was reported at Masvingo Central Police but I am yet to know the name of the officer who injured me though if an identification parade is conducted I would positively identify the guy,” said Murambwi.
When TellZim News crew visited the health institution, a visibly shaken Murambwi expressed agony, anguish and despair as he lied on his hospital bed and said he has no other alternative source of income thereby looking up to fellow workmates to foot the medical bills.
A police report seen by TellZim News dated September 11 2021, showed that the case was reported, stating that Murambwi only fell on the pavement and sustained injuries but it had no CR number.
“The patient fell on the pavement and injured his right ankle,” reads part of the document.
Medical report stamped September 13 2021, stated that the injuries are severe and disability is likely to happen.
“The injuries are likely to have been caused by a blunt object. Serious force could have been used to inflict pain. The injuries are severe and disability is likely to happen,” reads part of the medical report.
Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said the case was reported and investigations are underway.
“The name of the perpetrator is not yet known and we are still investigating the matter”, said Dhewa.
Sources privy to the case said Murambwi was injured by a police officer who was raiding vendors and illegal money changers.
“I was here on Saturday. A police officer tackled Murambwi as he tried to evade arrest and he sustained serious injuries on the leg. It seems the police are trying to conceal the case, when we visited the police station we were taken to different offices but nothing materialised. Most of us here can identify the officer if we see him,” said the source.
