Two suspects accused of armed robbery, allegedly seizing an AK47 rifle after overpowering prison guards at Khami Prison near Bulawayo on March 21, met their demise while under police custody. Never Moyo, 48, from Nkulumane 11, and Bhekimpilo Sibanda, 43, from Kezi, reportedly turned aggressive in an attempt to disarm a police officer of his AK47, resulting in their fatal shooting on April 26, according to police confirmation.
Transported from Bulawayo Central Police Station to investigate near Khami Dam, where they claimed to have concealed two firearms, the suspects’ encounter escalated into a confrontation leading to their deaths. Jerry Arnold Gumbo, 48, from Maphisa, is currently the third suspect in custody.
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This incident adds to a concerning trend of similar events, prompting questions about potential extrajudicial actions by the police. However, law enforcement authorities contend that their actions were in self-defense and refute any allegations of impropriety.
Both Moyo and Sibanda had previously served time at Khami Prison, with Moyo released in 2022 and Sibanda in February 2024.
Pressure for the swift appointment of commissioners to the Independent Complaints Commission, tasked with investigating security service misconduct, has mounted. Parliament has identified 35 candidates for the commission, conducting interviews, with the final selections awaiting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s approval.
Advocates for prisoner rights have voiced concerns over the deaths of multiple suspects while in police custody, particularly during confrontations at crime scenes. Despite criticism, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesman, asserts that the police adhere to human rights standards and emphasize compliance with lawful directives from suspects.
