MUTARE – A suspect died after a police officer attempting to cut off his beard with a knife as some kind of punishment sliced off a chunk of his chin and cheek, a court heard.
Bhekimpilo Ncube, 35, who was stationed at Chikukwa police base in Manicaland province, has been charged with the murder of Godman Mtimba, 34, last month.
A statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said on February 25 Ncube received a report that Mtimba had been behaving violently in the Chimanimani area.
The following day, Mtimba was apprehended and taken to Chikukwa Business Centre, where Ncube was drinking beer.
The NPAZ says Ncube attempted to remove Mtimba’s beard with a knife and in doing so sliced him on the chin and cheek, inflicting serious injuries.
Ncube subsequently rushed Mtimba to Mutambara Hospital, but the injured man died from his wounds.
After Mtimba was pronounced dead, Ncube handed himself over to police and remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
The NPAZ said it “reiterates its commitment to ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law.”
