Five Bulawayo police officers—Herbert Kanyinji, Bornwell Mahachi, Amiga Shumba, Norge Rapayi, and Mbekezeli Bhebhe—have been acquitted by the High Court of charges related to the death of Nkululeko Banda, a suspected armed robber. The officers had been accused of causing Banda’s death during his arrest on March 30, 2021.
The officers were part of a police team dispatched to apprehend Banda, who was suspected in several robbery cases. During the arrest, which took place at Banda’s home, a struggle ensued when Banda resisted. After being subdued, Banda suffered a seizure and was later pronounced dead at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).
The court was presented with conflicting testimonies regarding the incident. Banda’s wife, Rejoice Nyathi, testified that she saw the police entering the bedroom but could not identify which officers were involved or provide details about the assault. Other witnesses, including Banda’s stepfather and medical staff at UBH, testified that Banda was deceased upon arrival at the hospital. A post-mortem examination revealed asphyxia due to neck constriction.
Justice Evangelista Kabasa presided over the case and found that the evidence did not establish a direct link between the officers’ actions and Banda’s cause of death. The judge observed that the marks found on Banda’s body might have resulted from friction or other causes unrelated to the alleged assault by the police. The State’s failure to meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt led to the officers’ acquittal.
The acquittal has sparked discussions about the handling of the case and the evidence presented. While the court’s decision clears the officers of wrongdoing in this instance, it underscores the complexities involved in such cases, particularly in establishing a clear causal link between alleged actions and outcomes. This outcome also reflects the broader challenges faced by law enforcement and judicial systems in ensuring accountability while upholding the principle of innocent until proven guilty.
In other news – Zim artists showcase their talent worldwide
Zimbabwean music is experiencing a notable surge in global popularity, with local artists increasingly making their mark on international stages. This trend is exemplified by performances from artists such as Tocky Vibes, Freeman, and Killer T, who have recently graced platforms like Zimfest in the United Kingdom. Their growing presence abroad reflects a broader trend of Zimbabwean music gaining recognition and acclaim on the world stage.
Arts expert Plot Mhako has observed a significant rise in the number of Zimbabwean artists performing at international events. He views this development as a crucial step toward building global brands for local artists. “Lately, we have seen the increase in the number of Zimbabweans that are performing at different international platforms across the world. Read More
