The Zimbabwe Republic Police has suggested that Lavenda Chiwaya, an activist of the opposition MDC Alliance who was allegedly abducted and later found dead could have died of drug abuse. Below is the police statement in full.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is conducting investigations into the death of Lavenda Chiwaya in Karoi between the 20th and 21st of August 2020.
The facts are that Lavenda Chiwaya and Munyaradzi Pasipamire approached Tinashe Kanhema (42) who was roasting and selling maize cobs at 1930 hours on 20th August 2020. The duo was given a roasted maize cob to share and went on to buy two x 200m1 Challenger Whisky (kranco) which they again shared. At about 2030 hours, Lavenda Chiwaya left his two colleagues after telling them that he was going home.
The body of Lavenda Chiwaya was later found at number 1179 Chikangwe, Karoi. His known residential address is house number 1171 Chikangwe, Karoi which is four houses away from the scene. No struggle marks were observed by police besides the valuables which were retrieved from the body.
The Police are not aware of the alleged abduction or kidnapping as aIluded to by some individuals and groups on social media. Fullscale investigations are in progress to find out exactly what happened. This entails interviews with friends, colleagues and witnesses who were with Lavenda Chiwaya on the fateful day.
The Police cautions the public against interfering with crime scenes as what happened in Karoi is a cause for concern. We appeal to politicians to avoid premature statements and allow the investigations to proceed smoothly. Politicians should be careful in their comments there are allegations of girlfriends and alcohol abuse issues which are now subject to police investigations in this case.
