The family of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove, a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer who was shot dead on March 6 while reportedly chasing armed robbers, has protested the secretive and unprofessional handling of her death.
Cassandra’s father, Chikauriso Hove, has hired lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) to help the family seek justice.
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, ZLHR sent a letter of complaint to the Officer In Charge at ZRP Bulawayo Central Police, giving the police a seven-day deadline to provide clear details about the circumstances surrounding Cassandra’s death. The ZLHR said in a statement:
<blockquote>
The letter was also served on the Officer In Charge at Pumula Police Station, the Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province, ZRP Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Hon. Kazembe Kazembe.
In the letter, Hove protested against the opaque and unprofessional manner in which the death of her daughter was being handled by ZRP.
Hove said he is aggrieved and pained by the conduct of ZRP, her deceased daughter’s employer, that she served diligently and dearly with her life, which had a duty to protect her, but was not forthcoming with sharing information to the family surrounding the circumstances which led to Cassandra’s death, which should help the grieving family to find closure.
</blockquote>
The Hove family is upset because they are receiving second-hand information and delayed updates about Cassandra’s case through unofficial channels.
Recently, the family learned that a police officer had reportedly confessed to killing their daughter. The ZLHR said:
<blockquote>
Hove said Cassandra’s family is greatly concerned about the allegations that she may have met her fate at the hands of one of her colleagues.
In addition, Hove said Cassandra’s family is alarmed at the allegations raised about the conduct of one Lethokuhle Sibanda, who later on was known to be a colleague of the deceased law enforcement agent operating in the same unit with the late police officer, and who had reportedly completed some forms authorising the carrying out of a post-mortem on the body of the deceased person without consulting his family.
Hove also stated that his family had been advised that sometime after Cassandra had been shot, the same Sibanda had visited the deceased person’s residence, where she found the late law enforcement agent’s children and demanded certain information pertaining to her residential properties and demanded her mobile phones but her children refused to comply after getting guidance from their relatives.
</blockquote>
Cassandra’s father added that Sibanda received R3,000 from residents of Luveve suburb in Bulawayo to contribute to Cassandra’s funeral. However, the money was not given to the family, which has raised concerns.
Hove also said the family had been informed that a suspect named Fikile Ncube was arrested by ZRP officers on the night of Cassandra’s death in connection with the case. However, this information was not officially shared with the family or relatives. Said the ZLHR:
<blockquote>
On 8 March 2025, Hove said he attended a meeting together with his relatives with the Officer In Charge of CID Homicide in Bulawayo and other ZRP officials, where he was informed that the preliminary findings were that his daughter had been shot by a police issued firearm contrary to what the family had been told before and efforts to get full information as to what could have happened to his daughter were futile as the ZRP officials were not forthcoming.
Hove said Cassandra’s family had after much deliberation, reluctantly agreed to take her body as it was to be buried in Mberengwa while the family was promised by ZRP officials that they will be kept updated on the progress of investigations about her death.
</blockquote>
After Cassandra’s burial on March 10 in Mberengwa, Hove said the family filed a murder case at ZRP Pumula Police Station on March 13, 2025, because they had not received any communication from the police and wanted answers about the incident.
A police officer accused of fatally shooting Detective Hove appeared in court on Tuesday, March 18, facing a murder charge.
Constable Nomore Muradzikwa, 37, from Hillside Police Station, was brought before Bulawayo Magistrate Maxwell Ncube.
He was not asked to plead and was told to apply for bail at the High Court. Muradzikwa, represented by Tinashe Tashaya of Sengweni Legal Services, was remanded in custody until April 1.
The prosecution, led by Nkanyezi Xaba, claimed that Muradzikwa fired at Fikile Ncube, a robbery suspect being investigated by CID Homicide, using a CZ pistol (serial number BSAP 44).
The shot allegedly hit Ncube on the left elbow, and the bullet ricocheted, striking Hove in the left breast, leading to her death.

Pindula News

Detective Cassandra Hove was killed by a police officer while chasing armed robbers. Her family wants answers and justice for her death. They are angry at the police for not sharing information with them and handling the case poorly. They suspect that one of Cassandra's colleagues may have killed her. The family is upset that they were not informed about a suspect being arrested. The accused police officer appeared in court and was charged with murder. The family wants to know the truth about what happened to Cassandra.

ZRP Given Seven-Day Ultimatum To Explain Death Of Detective Cassandra Hove

A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer, accused of fatally shooting Detective Constable Cassandra Hove during a police operation in Bulawayo earlier this month, appeared in court on Tuesday, March 18, facing a murder charge.
Constable Nomore Muradzikwa, 37, stationed at Hillside Police Station, was brought before Bulawayo Magistrate Maxwell Ncube. 
He was not asked to plead and was advised to apply for bail at the High Court. Muradzikwa was represented by Tinashe Tashaya of Sengweni Legal Services and was remanded in custody to April 1.
The prosecution, led by Nkanyezi Xaba, outlined the events of March 6, 2025, when Muradzikwa and Detective Constable Hove were part of a team pursuing armed robbery suspects in Pumula South. Their target was 26-year-old Fikile Ncube, a resident of Pumula South.
Around 8:30 PM, the officers confronted Ncube in the Habbek area, near the home and church of Prophet Ngwenya. 
Xaba told the court that Muradzikwa was armed with a CZ pistol (serial number BSAP 44) when he advanced toward Ncube, who was a robbery suspect under investigation by CID Homicide. Said Xaba:
<blockquote>
Muradzikwa was armed with a CZ pistol when he advanced towards Fikile Ncube. He corked his firearm and shot him hitting him once on the left elbow after which the bullet ricocheted and hit Hove once on the left breast resulting in her death.
</blockquote>
The court also heard that the CZ pistol was recovered in Muradzikwa’s possession.
Initially, police had claimed that Detective Constable Hove was shot by armed robbers during the operation. However, Muradzikwa later admitted to firing the fatal shot.
Meanwhile, Hove’s family, who attended court, said they did so after learning from the media that Muradzikwa would be appearing. 
They expressed their frustration with the police, once again criticising their handling of the case. Abias Hove, the brother of the late detective said they expected the police to inform them first.
The family of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove still has many questions about her death, including why it took two weeks to bring her alleged killer to court.
Hove, a member of Bulawayo’s elite all-female CID unit, Team Lozikeyi, was buried on March 10 at her rural home in Mberengwa. She left behind four children.
Meanwhile, Fikile Ncube, the alleged suspect shot by police, spent several days under guard at Mpilo Central Hospital before being transferred to Khami Prison. 
His friends deny he is an armed robber, claiming Ncube came to Bulawayo to care for his unwell mother, who has been receiving treatment from Prophet Ngwenya. 
They said when he was shot, Ncube had been at Emabhombeni, near Ngwenya’s residence, where “bombing,” a ritual involving smashing bottles of “prayer water” against rocks, is performed.
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/bullet-that-killed-detective-cassandra-hove-ricocheted-off-suspect-court-hears/">ZimLive</a>

A police officer in Zimbabwe is in court for shooting and killing another officer during an operation. The suspect was pursuing an armed robbery suspect when he fired his gun, hitting the suspect's arm and then the female officer in the breast, who died. The suspect was told to apply for bail at the High Court and was remanded in custody. The victim's family is frustrated with how the police handled the case. The suspect is also denying being an armed robber. The incident has left many unanswered questions about the officer's death.

"Bullet That Killed Detective Cassandra Hove Ricocheted Off Armed Robbery Suspect's Arm"

A police officer stationed at Hillside Police Station in Bulawayo has reportedly confessed to the fatal shooting of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove on 6 March 2025.
The suspect, identified as Constable Muradzikwa, is currently in custody at Donnington Police Station.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/cop-confesses-to-killing-bulawayo-detective/">The Herald</a> cited police sources saying Muradzikwa admitted to the shooting. He said he does not require legal representation. Muradzikwa was scheduled to appear in court on the morning of Tuesday, 18 March.
According to the official narrative, Hove was fatally wounded during an exchange of fire with robbery suspects at around 8:40 PM. 
She was reportedly rushed to a nearby private clinic after sustaining gunshot wounds to her upper body, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
However, her family has expressed their dissatisfaction with the police’s account, demanding transparency regarding the officers involved in the Pumula South raid.
They are also seeking answers about who authorised her post-mortem, revealing that someone other than her next of kin had signed the documents at the hospital.
The family has vowed to pursue justice, saying they cannot accept the current version of events and will continue to seek the truth until those responsible for her death are held accountable.
Detective Hove’s death is made all the more tragic by the fact that she was only 37 and a mother of four, with a promising future ahead of her. Just recently, she had secured a scholarship to study forensic investigations in Russia.
Hove was also a dedicated member of Team Lozikeyi, an elite all-female unit created to address complex criminal cases, including armed robberies and serial crimes, in Bulawayo.
The unit, named in honour of Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo, a key figure in the 1896 Ndebele uprising, gained recognition for its exceptional work and was composed of highly skilled female officers who underwent rigorous training.

A police officer confessed to killing Detective Constable Cassandra Hove in Bulawayo. The suspect is in custody and admitted to the shooting. Hove was shot during a fight with robbery suspects and later died. Her family wants answers and justice. She was a mother of four and had a bright future. She was part of an all-female police unit known for their exceptional work. Her family will not rest until those responsible for her death are held accountable.

Police Officer Confesses To Killing Detective Constable Cassandra Hove

Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove, who was shot and killed in Bulawayo last Thursday.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi told the Chronicle that every effort will be made to uncover the full details of the incident, adding that the police will release a statement once the investigation is complete. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
He has since ordered full-scale investigations into the case. The Zimbabwe Republic Police once again assures the public that no stone will be left unturned to establish what transpired on the day.
The police will certainly update the family and public in due course once the current comprehensive investigations are complete.
</blockquote>
Hove’s death has sparked public interest, following reports that she was shot by armed robbers in the line of duty.
Earlier on it had been reported that she was shot by armed robbers in the suburb during a covert operation.
It was only after Hove’s family raised concerns as to how she was killed that the matter raised eyebrows.
During her funeral service at a funeral parlour in Bulawayo on Sunday, her family alleged that Hove was not killed by the robbers but rather by one of her colleagues and demanded clarification on whether this was an accident or intentional.
At her burial in Mberengwa on Monday, a family member claimed that Hove was not accidentally shot, saying the shooting was intentional.
According to the official narrative, Hove was fatally wounded during an exchange of fire with robbery suspects at around 8:40 PM. 
She was reportedly rushed to a nearby private clinic after sustaining gunshot wounds to her upper body, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
However, her family has expressed their dissatisfaction with the police’s account, demanding transparency regarding the officers involved in the Pumula South raid.
They are also seeking answers about who authorised her post-mortem, revealing that someone other than her next of kin had signed the documents at the hospital.
The family has vowed to pursue justice, saying they cannot accept the current version of events and will continue to seek the truth until those responsible for her death are held accountable.
Detective Hove’s death is made all the more tragic by the fact that she was only 37 and a mother of four, with a promising future ahead of her. Just recently, she had secured a scholarship to study forensic investigations in Russia.
Hove was also a dedicated member of Team Lozikeyi, an elite all-female unit created to address complex criminal cases, including armed robberies and serial crimes, in Bulawayo.
The unit, named in honour of Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo, a key figure in the 1896 Ndebele uprising, gained recognition for its exceptional work and was composed of highly skilled female officers who underwent rigorous training.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/police-boss-orders-probe-into-cid-detectives-shooting/">Chronicle</a>

Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has ordered an investigation into Detective Constable Cassandra Hove's death. She was shot and killed in Bulawayo. Her family thinks she was not killed by robbers, but by a colleague. They want to know if it was an accident or on purpose. Hove was shot during a robbery operation and died in the hospital. Her family is not happy with the police's version of events and wants justice. She was a mother of four and part of an all-female police unit named Team Lozikeyi. The investigation is ongoing to find out the truth.

Police Commissioner Orders Thorough Investigation Into Detective Constable Cassandra Hove's Death

A confrontation took place at Nyaradzo Funeral Parlour in Bulawayo on Sunday between the family of the late Constable Cassandra Hove and senior police officers, as the family demanded answers and justice regarding her death.
Hove, a female detective involved in a police operation to apprehend armed robbers in Pumula South last Thursday, was shot in the chest and declared dead at a local clinic around 9 PM.
The funeral service, scheduled for 10 AM, was abruptly postponed due to heightened emotions among mourners and close family members, who confronted the police officers present.
The situation escalated when some family members verbally attacked the officers, accusing them of withholding the truth about Hove’s death.
The police claimed that Hove was not killed by the robbers but by one of her colleagues. The family demanded clarification on whether the shooting was an accident or intentional.
According to the police, Hove was shot in the upper limbs during an exchange of gunfire with robbers around 8:40 PM. She was rushed to a nearby private clinic, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The family also sought answers about the identities of the officers involved in the Pumula South raid, as well as the person who authorised Hove’s post-mortem.
They were shocked to discover that someone else had signed the hospital documents as Hove’s next of kin, and they claimed to have had no involvement in the process. Said a family member:
<blockquote>
There is something suspicious about all this. Why did the police rush to conduct a post-mortem without our consent or knowledge?
Why were they collecting bereavement monies without our knowledge? Where did that money go?
Also, why did the police notify us about her death hours after she had been killed? They also demanded her mobile phones and title deeds to the house for reasons best known to them.
</blockquote>
The family expressed their dissatisfaction with the police’s account of the events and vowed to continue seeking justice until those responsible were held accountable.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ryan Gambinga said they were deeply shocked and disturbed by the tragic circumstances surrounding Hove’s death. He said:
<blockquote>
While we initially received conflicting reports, our recent meeting with ZRP Bulawayo has confirmed that a fellow police officer, and not armed robbers, was involved in this devastating incident.
</blockquote>
The family clashed with the officers present until around 3 PM, when tensions eased after a closed-door meeting with several unidentified senior police officials. Said Gambinga:
<blockquote>
We decided to proceed with the service after meeting with the police. They assured us that they would launch a full investigation into the matter.
They gave us their highest assurance, and as a family, we decided to go ahead with the proceedings.
It is now up to them as the police to uphold their end of the bargain.
</blockquote>
Gambinga said the family was disappointed that those directly involved in the matter had failed to come forward, preventing the family from finding closure.
He also revealed that the late Hove had recently been awarded a scholarship to study forensic investigations in Russia. He said:
<blockquote>
We had sorted all her paperwork and were in the process of securing funds. This is truly a tragedy.
</blockquote>
Several police officers attended Hove’s emotional send-off, but none from the Criminal Investigations Department’s elite Homicide Unit, known as “Lozikeyi,” were present.
Hove is survived by four children and will be laid to rest at her rural home in Mberengwa on Monday, 10 March.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/watch-family-demands-high-emotion-confrontation-and-tensions-at-slain-detectives-funeral/">Chronicle</a>

Summary:

A family confronted police officers at a funeral in Zimbabwe over the fatal shooting of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove. Hove was shot during a police operation to catch armed robbers and died in the hospital. The family questioned the police about the circumstances of the shooting and demanded answers. They were upset that someone else signed hospital documents for Hove and claimed they were not involved. The family expressed dissatisfaction with the police's account of events and vowed to seek justice. They eventually proceeded with the funeral after police promised a full investigation. Hove, who had received a scholarship to study forensic investigations in Russia, will be buried in her rural home.

CID Officer Latest News

Latest Jobs