Armed Robbery Suspects Shot Dead in Police Custody
Two armed robbery suspects who allegedly disarmed prison guards at Khami Prison near Bulawayo on March 21, stealing an AK47 rifle, have been shot dead while in police custody. Never Moyo, aged 48, from Nkulumane 11, and Bhekimpilo Sibanda, aged 43, from Kezi, reportedly turned violent in an attempt to disarm a police officer of his AK47, resulting in their fatal shooting on April 26, as confirmed by the police.
The suspects had been taken from Bulawayo Central Police Station for investigations near Khami Dam, where they claimed to have hidden two guns. Jerry Arnold Gumbo, aged 48, from Maphisa, is the third suspect in custody.
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This incident is part of a series of similar occurrences, raising concerns of extrajudicial killings by the police. However, the police maintain that they acted in self-defense and deny any unlawful actions.
The suspects, Moyo and Sibanda, were previously incarcerated at Khami Prison, released in 2022 and February 2024, respectively.
Calls for the speedy appointment of commissioners for the Independent Complaints Commission, tasked with investigating security service abuses, have intensified. Parliament has shortlisted 35 candidates for the commission, with interviews already conducted and the final nominees awaiting appointment by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Prisoner rights advocates have raised alarm over the deaths of numerous suspects while in police custody during “indications” at crime scenes. Despite criticisms, the national police spokesman, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, maintains that the police uphold human rights standards and urge suspects to comply with lawful orders.
