The family of the late Blessed Believe Juruvenge, who died after being tortured by a police officer at Ruwa Police Station, has formally notified the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Minister of Home Affairs of their intention to claim damages for his unlawful death. Juruvenge, a 30-year-old driver and small business owner from Damafalls, died on May 28, 2025, after allegedly being brutally assaulted by Constable Prince Ndavambi while in police custody. According to the family, Juruvenge was arrested following a dispute involving a counterfeit note and was taken to Ruwa Police Station, where he was beaten with a wooden stick and a hoe handle. His sister-in-law, Mellisa Manyepa, who tried to intervene, was also assaulted and sustained significant injuries.
The family’s legal representatives, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), have written to Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, notifying them of the family’s intention to seek damages. The letter states that Juruvenge’s widow, Mercy Madenyika who is currently pregnant her mother, Elipa Jimu, and sister Mellisa Manyepa were all financially dependent on the deceased. The family asserts that the police officer’s actions were intentional and unlawful, and that the Officer in Charge at Ruwa Police Station failed to prevent the abuse, effectively allowing police premises to be used as torture chambers.
Juruvenge reportedly lost consciousness after the assault and was left in a cell overnight. He died the following morning after being taken to Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre. The family claims that other officers present did not intervene to stop the assault, and some even threatened them. Constable Ndavambi initially fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with murder. The family’s letter argues that the police leadership is vicariously liable for Juruvenge’s death, as the officer was acting within the scope of his duties. They are seeking compensation for loss of financial support, pain, suffering, humiliation, and psychological trauma. The specific amount of damages will be detailed in a forthcoming court summons.
Mellisa Manyepa continues to suffer from the physical and emotional effects of the assault, and the family is receiving psychological support to cope with the trauma. The letter also accuses the police of violating constitutional rights, including the right to life and protection from inhuman or degrading treatment. Constable Ndavambi has since been arrested and charged with murder. Legal proceedings for damages are expected to follow as the family seeks justice for their loss.
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