Man stabbed 10 times in robber fight

TWO men are on the run after viciously stabbing a man 10 times leading to his death during an armed robbery at Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo.

Henry Moyo, 21, of Nyamandlovu was attacked on Thursday last week by knife wielding thugs while in the company of his brothers Collen, 27 and Elvis, 19 at around 7:30PM.

The suspects reportedly stabbed him once on each arm and twice in the face after he refused to give up the goods that he was carrying.

His brothers fled when the attackers turned violent, but Henry continued fighting and one of them tripped him then their knives plunged into his back six more times.

The brothers' aunt, Nyarai Ndlovu, 20, yesterday said Elvis was also stabbed on the arm in the grim tussle, before running away from the scene.

The trio had just dropped off from a bus at Entumbane Long Distance Terminus and were walking in the bushy area between Petro Trade Filling Station and Entumbane suburb.

A source close to police investigations said the brothers were lugging heavy groceries that included boxes of cooking oil, rice, flour, as well as 200 packs of cigarettes.

"The suspects pounced on them threatening to kill them if they did not give up the groceries, cash and their cellphones. They set upon the complainants and Collen and Elvis ran away, leaving their brother defending the groceries," said the source.

"They stabbed him 10 times. The six wounds on his back could have been inflicted when he was down, seriously injured and no longer a threat to his attackers."

Ndlovu told Chronicle that her nephews lived in Nyamandlovu and had gone back to their rural home.

"I do not have much details but I know that Elvis was stabbed on the arm. He fell down and maybe the attackers thought he was dead and they turned on his brother. He eventually managed to get away. Henry has already been buried in Nyamandlovu," she said.

Elvis and Collen could not be reached for comment on their mobile phones.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo confirmed the incident.

"We are handling a murder case in which a man was stabbed to death in Entumbane. The man was with his brothers when the suspects attacked them. Extensive investigations are underway," he said.

Insp Moyo bemoaned the death of the "spirit of neighbourliness" in urban areas saying it was leading to an increase in crime.

"People now mind their own business so much, they would not report a neighbour even when they know the person is a wanted criminal or has committed a crime. It seems people only see the evil of crime when it has reached their doorstep," he said.

Insp Moyo called on residents to work closely with the police to flush out criminals to make the city safe for everyone.

He said residents should not hesitate to call the Bulawayo police 24-hour hotline (09) 885479 or use suggestion boxes to notify the force of crimes that they may be aware of.