Man fatally stabbed by niece's lover

A 25-year-old Tsholotsho man was stabbed to death by his niece's lover when he complained to him that his behaviour of whistling as a way of alerting his niece of his presence was annoying.

Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Billie Dube confirmed the death of Mabutho Magama of Thandi Ncube's homestead in Tsholotsho last Friday at about 5pm.

Insp Dube said the assailant, Makhosana Sibanda (21) of Maganeni Ncube's homestead, Landla line under Chief Gampu Sithole, was near Thandi Ncube's homestead where his 15-year-old girlfriend resides with her family.

"The boyfriend of the teenager was near Thandi Ncube's homestead where he was calling her by whistling. His whistling annoyed Magama, the uncle of his girlfriend who was at the homestead," said Insp Dube.

"Magama approached Sibanda and warned him of his behaviour and a misunderstanding ensued between the two.

He said the two fought and Sibanda drew a knife from his pocket and stabbed Magama once in the lower part of the body.

"When Magama collapsed, Sibanda ran away. Magama's brother took him to Tsholotsho District Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival," said Insp Dube.

He said a report was made to Tsholotsho Police Station and officers attended the scene.

"We have since launched a manhunt for Sibanda and anyone with information that might lead to his arrest should report at any nearest police station," said Insp Dube.

He said Magama's body was taken to  United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem.

"We urge members of the community to desist from resorting to violence as a means of solving problems or misunderstandings," said Insp Dube.