Police grilled after suspect found dead

By Brenna Matendere Munyati

SHURUGWI – Police officers based at the Shurugwi station have been grilled in an inquest after a suspect was found dead in a pool of blood with a gun-wound inside the camp’s toilet last year.

Suspicion is high that the late suspect, Simbarashe Muchengeti, whom police claim committed suicide at their camp in March last year after having been invited for questioning on armed robbery charges, could have been murdered.

According to police’s argument, the deceased smuggled a gun into the police station which he then used to take his own life after asking to use a toilet.

However, during an inquest held at the local court, magistrate Tendai Madanhire grilled Shurugwi police station officer in charge, Inspector Regiment Ndlovu, on why a proper search was not conducted on the deceased when he was arrested in connection with a crime that involved use of a firearm.

“It is clear that if the police’s argument of suicide is to be believed, then there was a serious aspect of negligence because every suspect should be thoroughly searched upon arrest especially if it is in connection with an armed robbery case,” said the magistrate.

In response, Ndlovu who has served the force for 22 years, concurred but insisted the deceased took his own life.

His subordinate, detective Shepherd Mazhindu, dodged giving direct answers when asked by prosecutor Andrew Marimo if he thought it was possible that a person handcuffed could take a hidden gun from his body, shoot himself in the mouth but die while still holding it.

“I put it to you that if a person shoots themselves, there should be some action which makes the gun to fall away. How is it that the deceased died while still holding it?” the prosecutor asked.

Madanhire blasted the cops saying a police station ought to be a place known for its safety. “Don’t fear anyone. You should emulate me because I only fear God, not a mortal,” said the magistrate.

The inquest was postponed to 11 February when the state will invite a ballistics expert to give evidence. Last year the deceased’s family demanded answers about the death of their son, ruling out the possibility he committed suicide. The Zimbabwean