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79-year-old murder suspect arrested 32 years later

by Staff reporter
21 Aug 2012 at 02:35hrs | Views
A Tsholotsho man, 79, has been arrested in Bulawayo for a murder case he allegedly committed 32 years ago.
Masalila Freddy Nkiwane allegedly fled to South Africa soon after being granted $150 bail by the court in August 1980. He has allegedly been evading arrest until a fortnight ago when detectives got a tip-off that he was back in the country.
Police sources said Nkiwane was arrested by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department's Homicide section after returning from "his sanctuary" in the neighbouring country.
The source said Nkiwane returned to the country in July and police had re-opened the murder charge against him.
"Police got a tip-off on 5 July that the murder suspect was back in the country. Police did not immediately arrest the suspect as there was a need first to retrieve the old docket. He was then arrested a few days before the Heroes holidays after investigations," said the police source.
According to court documents, Nkiwane's case has been set down for hearing at the High Court on 13 September when the court re-opens after vacation.
The court papers show that Nkiwane was granted bail pending trial on 4 August 1980.
He was being accused of killing his father's third wife in May 1980 accusing her of being responsible for the death of his minor children.
Nkiwane, who was based in South Africa, had returned home following the death of his child The family had consulted an inyanga who told them that Nkiwane's stepmother was responsible for the death.
On the fateful day, Nkiwane allegedly had a misunderstanding with his stepmother who he started assaulting with unknown objects.
Nkiwane had allegedly started assaulting his stepmother in the presence of his siblings and other family members.
He allegedly dragged her to a bush near the homestead at about 12 midnight and allegedly killed her.
Neighbours and family members searched for the body which was later found about 50 metres from the homestead.
The family buried the woman the following day but it was exhumed a day later after the matter had been reported to the police.
The body was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for a post-mortem.
The Attorney General's Office plans to invite three witnesses, all from Tsholotsho, who witnessed the murder, to testify in court.

Source - Zimpapers