By Crime and Courts Reporter-A popular Bulawayo-based female detective was gunned down by armed robbers in a shootout on Thursday night.
Detective Constable Cassandra Hove (37), a member of the Criminal Investigations Department’s elite Homicide Unit, was shot and killed in the line of duty while pursuing armed robbery suspects who had been targeting fuel service stations across the city.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 8:40 PM. Her team rushed her to a nearby private clinic, but she was pronounced dead on arrival.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations into her death are ongoing.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with the tragic and unfortunate death of Detective Constable Cassandra Hove of CID Homicide Bulawayo on March 6, 2025, while pursuing armed robbery suspects. The shooting incident occurred in the Habek area, Pumula South, Bulawayo,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He added that Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba is mourning Hove’s passing and has assured that a comprehensive investigation is underway to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The ZRP reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robberies and other violent crimes in the country. The public should feel free to provide any information on criminal movements via the Complaints Desk number 0242703631 or WhatsApp number 0712800197,” he stated.
Hours before her death, Detective Constable Hove had posted a seemingly cryptic message on her Facebook page:
“Usandipusha, ndofamba ndega . . . Ndini zvangu ndichiudza ngirozi musi we judgement day,”
which translates to: “Do not push me, I can walk on my own. That will be me telling an angel on Judgment Day.”
Her post has since sparked speculation, with many interpreting it as a premonition of her tragic demise.
A source close to the investigation revealed that Hove was shot in the chest during an exchange of gunfire while pursuing suspects involved in a string of armed robberies at fuel service stations.
“She sustained a fatal wound on her breast during the shootout. Recently, the city has recorded a surge in armed robberies at fuel stations, with up to five stations targeted in a single night. CID detectives were following up on a tip-off, but unfortunately, the robbers opened fire, killing the officer,” said the source.
The shooting occurred so quickly that many residents were left stunned.
“Although we heard gunshots, we couldn’t immediately tell what had happened. I counted three shots, but I was too scared to go outside and check. A few residents went to the scene but didn’t stay long. It was only today that we learned a police officer had been shot and killed,” said a Pumula South resident, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Another resident expressed concern over the increasing crime rate.
“Our neighborhoods are becoming unsafe. We hope the police will get to the bottom of this and bring those responsible to justice.”
The police are urging anyone with information about the suspects to come forward as investigations continue.