Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Constable Blessed Moyo, who was stationed at Malalume police base in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, has been suspended once more after briefly returning to duty despite facing a murder charge.
Residents of Malalume said they were living in fear and anxiety after Moyo resumed work just days following his initial court appearance.
Moyo was arrested in May 2025 after the remains of a man he had detained were discovered in a pit latrine behind the local clinic, which also housed the police base. Authorities recovered a skull, bones, torn clothing, a bloodied knife, and handcuffs.
He appeared in court following his arrest and was subsequently granted bail. However, villagers told CITE that they were deeply unsettled when Moyo later returned to duty in uniform. Said a villager:
“We could not sleep peacefully knowing he was walking around in uniform again. People were whispering in the village because no one felt safe.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said Moyo’s return had caused tension in the community. He said:
“When we saw him back on duty, we felt like the case no longer mattered. Everyone was scared to even pass by the police base.
“We thought if he could come back so easily, then what could stop him from doing it again.”
Witnesses alleged that the victim, who had been accused of stealing food and clothes, was beaten with a mopane switch, a sjambok, a cooking stick, and a plastic pick handle while in Constable Moyo’s custody.
His health reportedly deteriorated, and he was never seen alive again. Months later, his skull and bones were discovered buried in the toilet behind the police base.
Following concerns from the community, villagers said Constable Moyo had been suspended again and was awaiting a court hearing.
Bulilima District councillor Ephraim Moyo confirmed that the matter had been raised during a community meeting. He said:
“As a community we came together to talk about Constable Moyo. His return to duty greatly affected residents, but now we are being told that he has been suspended.”
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he could not comment on the case, as it is now under judicial consideration. Said Nyathi:
“The case is now before the court so we are waiting for the court proceedings. At the moment we cannot give a comment on the case because we do not want to interfere with court proceedings.”
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