A police officer attached to the Victim Friendly Unit was assaulted by three men after he was allegedly found at a lodge with a woman he had been counselling in a domestic violence case.
Constable Blessing Mutoko (33) of Budiriro Police Station was left with facial injuries after the Tuesday attack and was rushed to Harare Central Hospital before being referred to Sally Mugabe Hospital for further treatment.
Police say Mutoko had been handling a domestic dispute involving a couple and later exchanged contact details with the wife. The interaction allegedly crossed professional lines, culminating in a meeting at Dombo Lodge, near the police station.
After leaving the lodge, Mutoko was confronted by the woman’s husband and two relatives — Charles Jamba (66), Joseph Jamba (38) and Tinashe Magumve (21) — who demanded an explanation. He attempted to flee by boarding a commuter omnibus but was dragged out and assaulted.
According to The Herald, the officer was punched repeatedly, suffering a cut nose and facial swelling, before a passer-by intervened and alerted police, leading to the arrest of the three suspects.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not be reached for comment, though Zimpapers confirmed the matter has been formally recorded under RRB 6698354.
An eyewitness said the officer was mocked during the assault. “Counselling needs professionalism. He abused his position and the trust of the victim,” the witness said.
Police sources said investigations are continuing, with internal processes also expected to review the officer’s conduct.
