Malalume villagers in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, say they were living in fear and anxiety after a murder accused police officer briefly returned to duty before being suspended again.
Constable Blessed Moyo, who was stationed at Malalume police base, 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. The findings included a skull, bones, torn clothes, a bloodied knife and handcuffs.
He appeared in court following his arrest and was later granted bail. However, villagers said they were unsettled when he later resumed duty in uniform.
“We could not sleep peacefully knowing he was walking around in uniform again. People were whispering in the village because no one felt safe,” one resident told CITE.
Another resident said his return created tension: “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 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.
Residents said his sudden return eroded their trust in law enforcement.
“We used to run to the police when we had problems, but when he came back, people stopped reporting cases. How do you report to someone you are afraid of,” said a resident.
Following community concerns, 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 at a community meeting.
“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,” he said.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the case was under judicial consideration.
“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,” said Nyathi.
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