Mirriam Ndlovu
In a shocking incident that has left the Nkayi community reeling, police have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the murder of 56-year-old Josephat Sibanda. The brutal attack, which took place in the early hours of October 18, highlights rising concerns over local safety.
The events unfolded around 3 a.m. when Sibanda was attacked in his shack in Mdutshekelwa Village. Neighbors reported hearing a loud crash, followed by sounds of struggle, but fear kept them from intervening.
“I was too scared to go outside at the time,” one neighbor recounted. “It wasn’t until morning that I ventured out to see what had happened.”
When the neighbor finally checked around 6 a.m., he found the door to Sibanda’s shack damaged and personal belongings scattered outside. Alarmed, he gathered other residents to search for Sibanda.
Their search led them to a nearby bushy area around Killarney Squatter Camp. Tragically, about 40 meters from his home, they discovered Sibanda lying in a pool of blood, partially hidden by tall grass. He had sustained deep stab wounds on his left shoulder, a cut on the back of his head, and bruises on his abdomen.
Immediately, a police report was filed, and Sibanda’s body was sent to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem examination. The investigation progressed quickly, resulting in the arrest of Promise Ndebele at his residence in Muza village.
Police Inspector Abednico Ncube urged the community to refrain from taking matters into their own hands. “We encourage residents to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts,” he said. He also appealed for information on additional suspects, including Xolani Moyo, Oscar Mlauzi, and Alex, who remain at large.
As the investigation continues, the Nkayi community is left grappling with the aftermath of this violence, calling for vigilance and cooperation to enhance local safety.
