Man murdered over girlfriend
A MAN from Inyathi was last week assaulted and strangled to death by two men who were accusing him of snatching one of their girlfriends.
One of the suspects, Mthokozisi Sibanda (23) of Famona Village was later arrested for the murder of 40-year-old Thabani Mhlanga also from the same area while his accomplice, Nduna Ndlovu is still on the run. Police confirmed the incident in which they said Mhlanga succumbed to injuries after being left for dead by the two men.
“Police in Matabeleland North confirms the arrest of Mthokozisi Sibanda (23) in connection with a murder case in which Thabani Mhlanga (40) succumbed to injuries inflicted on him by the suspect(s) on the 17th day of June 2022 in Famona, Inyathi. On the fateful day, and at around 2100 hours, Thabani Mhlanga left Famona Business Centre in the company of his girlfriend, Sidanisile Sibanda (37), Nduna Ndlovu and Mthokozisi Sibanda (23) all of Famona Village going to their respective homesteads,” said Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda.
He said while on their way, a misunderstanding arose between Mhlanga and Ndlovu who was accusing him the former of snatching his girlfriend, Sidanisile Sibanda. Mthokozisi also joined in the argument before the two allegedly assaulted and strangled Mhlanga who fell to the ground unconscious. The duo together with Ndlovu’s girlfriend fled the scene leaving Mhlanga lying on the ground.
“On the 18th day of June and at around 1900 hours, a villager stumbled on the lifeless body of Thabani Mhlanga in a bush about 30 metres from the scene of crime. Police observed that the body of Thabani Mhlanga sustained some bruises around the neck, a cut on the forehead and another cut on the occipital. The body of the deceased was taken to Inyathi District Hospital awaiting post-mortem. Mthokozisi Sibanda was arrested and is in police custody while Nduna Ndlovu is still at large,” he said.
Insp Banda urged people to avoid using violence as a way of resolving disputes while appealing for information leading to the arrest of Ndlovu.