Police Officer Collapses And Dies At Heroes Day Celebrations

A police officer who had just thrilled guests with a display at the Harare Provincial Heroes Acre collapsed and died during national Heroes Day commemorations on Monday.

Constabulary Shem Ganda, 57, was seated behind the Police Junior Call team when he collapsed. He was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

His sudden death has shocked the Chitungwiza community and colleagues within the Zimbabwe Republic Police, where he was described as a driving force behind the Police Junior Call and community policing initiatives.

Shortly before his death, Ganda had entertained guests with scintillating drills at the Heroes Acre.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased during this difficult time,” he said.

“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death are currently in progress. The body was subsequently conveyed to the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.”

Ganda had built a strong reputation within the ZRP and the Junior Call family, having been part of the team for more than 20 years.

The Junior Call is a ZRP-led initiative that engages youths in community policing, anti-crime prayer sessions and awareness campaigns against drug and substance abuse.

He is survived by his wife and eight children and is expected to be laid to rest at his rural home in Madziwa.

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