Tinotenda Hove – Three men have been taken into custody following the assault of a police officer attached to the Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) at Budiriro Police Station on Tuesday.
The victim, Constable Blessing Mutoko (33), sustained injuries during the incident and was forced to seek medical treatment.

Police identified the suspects as Charles Jamba (66), Joseph Jamba (38) and Tinashe Magumve (21). All three are currently detained in connection with the case, which has been logged under Request for Report Board (RRB) number 6698354.

According to preliminary police reports, the incident arose from a domestic violence matter in which Constable Mutoko was offering counselling to a married couple. It is alleged that after exchanging contact details, the officer later met the female complainant at Dombo Lodge, near the police station.

As the officer was leaving the lodge, he was allegedly confronted by the woman’s husband and his relatives. Although he was off duty and not in uniform, Constable Mutoko reportedly tried to avoid confrontation by boarding a commuter omnibus to leave the area.

However, the suspects are said to have followed the vehicle, forced him to disembark, and assaulted him.

A bystander alerted police at Budiriro, leading to the swift arrest of the three men.
Constable Mutoko sustained facial injuries, including a cut to the nose and swelling to the face.

He was first taken to Harare Central Hospital before being referred to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital for further medical attention.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi was not available for comment at the time of publication.