Kudzai Madenga
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – Police have arrested 26-year-old Tatenda Chida from Hillside, Bulawayo, in connection with the murder of Sikhanyiso Bruce Dube, a 35-year-old man from Pumula North.
The arrest follows a violent altercation that occurred on October 22, 2024, at a local butchery in Bulawayo’s Central Business District (CBD), which led to Dube’s tragic death.
According to police, Dube’s body was discovered on the morning of October 24, 2024, by a passerby near Pumula High School. “At first, the passerby thought the deceased was just drunk, but when he noticed the body had not moved after several hours, he became concerned and approached the police,” said Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, Deputy Police Spokesperson for Bulawayo Province.
Upon closer examination, the passerby realized that Dube showed no signs of life and immediately reported the discovery to the ZRP Pumula Police. The body was found with injuries, including a blow to the back of the head and a cut on the lower lip. “The post-mortem revealed that the cause of death was head injuries and brain trauma,” Msebele confirmed.
Investigations revealed that the altercation between Chida and Dube began two days earlier on October 22, 2024, at around 6:00 PM. The two men were braaing meat at the same butchery, with Dube allegedly touching Chida’s meat. “The dispute escalated quickly, with the accused kicking the deceased in the back and punching him in the face,” Msebele explained. “The victim fell to the ground, hitting his head, but was helped to his feet by his friends. Unfortunately, he later died from the injuries while walking home.”
After receiving information on the whereabouts of Chida, police arrested him at the corner of JMN Nkomo Street and 4th Avenue in Bulawayo. “When questioned, the accused admitted to assaulting the victim, which led to his death,” Msebele added.
The ZRP has called for an end to violence and urges the public to resolve disputes peacefully. “We urge members of the public to handle their disagreements amicably and avoid violent actions, as these can result in tragic outcomes and unnecessary loss of life,” Msebele concluded. Chida is currently in police custody, where he is assisting with further investigations.
