Gwanda Cop Jailed for Killing Suspect During Arrest

A 43-year-old police officer, Philip Mwinde, has been sentenced to an effective two years in prison after being convicted of culpable homicide by the Gwanda Regional Court.

Mwinde was found guilty of causing the death of a man he shot during an attempted arrest in the Farvic area of Colleen Bawn on January 30, 2020.

According to court proceedings, Mwinde and two other officers were pursuing the now-deceased, who was suspected of committing an assault.

“The court heard that upon spotting the police vehicle, the deceased and another unidentified man fled. Mwinde gave chase, firing two warning shots. When the suspect continued to flee, Mwinde shot him in the left buttock. The bullet also injured the deceased’s right lower abdomen.

The officers rushed the injured man to Gwanda Provincial Hospital, and he was later transferred to United Bulawayo Hospitals. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on January 31, 2020, while receiving medical attention.”

In handing down the sentence, the court sentenced Mwinde to four years’ imprisonment, with two years suspended for five years on the condition that he does not commit a similar offense during that period. He will serve an effective two-year jail term.

The case has sparked public discussions around the use of force by law enforcement officers during arrests and the importance of upholding human rights, even in high-pressure situations.