Bulawayo Cop Shot Dead After Stopping Five Men In The Street
A police officer was shot dead in Bulawayo after stopping a group of five men and asking them to identify themselves. The tragic incident happened in the early hours of Friday, sending shockwaves through the community.
Sergeant Abel Masava, who was based at Tshabalala Police Station, was on duty responding to a domestic violence report when he encountered the suspects. Dressed in his full police uniform, he was standing next to a police vehicle when the fatal shooting occurred.
According to an internal police memo seen by ZimLive, Masava questioned the men about their whereabouts and requested identification. Instead of complying, one of them pulled out a firearm and shot him in the head at point-blank range.
“One of them pointed a firearm and shot Sergeant Masava on the head… He was rushed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals where he was confirmed dead upon admission,” the police report revealed.
Tragic Midnight Shooting
Masava had been dispatched alongside a fellow officer after a woman reported being assaulted by her husband in Sizinda.
Upon arrival at the house, his colleague, the victim, and a friend went inside to resolve the situation, while Masava remained outside, keeping watch near the police vehicle.
Moments later, five men dressed in dark clothing approached. Their suspicious behaviour caught Masava’s attention, prompting him to stop them for questioning.
As he asked them to produce identification, one of the men suddenly drew a firearm and fired at his head.
“The second officer, the domestic violence victim and her friend were negotiating entry into the house when Masava, who had remained standing next to the vehicle outside, was shot,” the memo detailed.
The gunshot echoed through the night, sending the suspects fleeing into the darkness. The second officer rushed outside but found Masava lying motionless, bleeding from the head.
Efforts were made to save him, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival at United Bulawayo Hospitals.
Second Officer Killed This Month
Masava’s murder comes just weeks after another police officer lost her life in Bulawayo under different circumstances.
On March 6, detective Cassandra Hove was shot and killed in Pumula South suburb. A fellow police officer was later charged with her murder. The court heard that the bullet that killed her was meant for an armed robbery suspect but instead struck Hove in the chest.
Police Appeal For Information
Authorities have launched a manhunt for Masava’s killers. Investigators are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects, warning that they are armed and dangerous.
“We urge anyone with information on the suspects to come forward. The murder of a police officer in the line of duty is a serious crime,” a senior police official said.
Residents of Sizinda and Tshabalala have expressed shock and fear following the attack. Some have called for increased police patrols and better protective measures for officers.
As investigations continue, the police are urging people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
