A suspect linked to the robbery of a financial services firm in Harare on February 25 met his demise while in police custody, marking the latest instance of contentious post-arrest fatalities.
During the heist at Quest Financial Services in Belgravia, over US$720,000 was stolen, leading to the apprehension of several suspects, including private security guards and police officers who were found in possession of some of the stolen cash.
Confirming the incident, National police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi disclosed that one of the suspects, Blessing Sumbani Sithole, aged 49, was fatally shot on April 4 while being taken to provide further information at the banks of Manyame River, where he purportedly confessed to hiding a firearm.
Sithole had been arrested earlier that day in Chiredzi and was detained at Harare Central Police Station.
Nyathi asserted that Sithole, despite being handcuffed, attempted to shoot at the officers.
“The suspect led detectives to Manyame River in Southlea Park where he claimed to have hidden a 7.65mm CZ pistol which was stolen at Quest Financial Services during the heist. Upon arrival at the scene, the suspect picked a pistol from a shrub and cocked it before aiming at detectives who were escorting him. Subsequently, the suspect was shot in the back and was rushed to Sally Mugabe Hospital where he died upon admission,” Nyathi explained.
Sithole’s demise is expected to intensify calls for the prompt establishment of commissioners to serve on the Independent Complaints Commission, tasked with probing allegations of rights violations by security service members.
Following interviews conducted on April 4, Parliament has shortlisted 35 candidates for the commission. The final nominees’ names will be forwarded to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for appointment.
Prisoner rights advocates have raised concerns over numerous instances of suspects dying in police custody after being taken to provide “indications” at crime scenes. In each case, law enforcement cited perceived risks to officers or alleged attempts by suspects to flee.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Nyathi reiterated the police force’s commitment to human rights principles.
“Suspects involved in criminal acts are implored to duly comply with police orders and avoid clashes or confrontation with arresting details,” he emphasized.
