Sangoma on the run for lover's 'murder'

A LUPANE woman, who was axed four times and appeared to have been raped, was found dead at her homestead. Her unidentified live-in boyfriend of three months, a sangoma, has since disappeared and is allegedly on the run.

Torn used condoms and a bloodied axe were found next to Hlalani Ngwenya's undressed body that lay in a pool of blood outside her bedroom recently.

Ngwenya (38) had four deep cuts on her head and indications are that she was raped before she was murdered. The incident occurred at Dandanda Village, St Lukes Area, under Chief Mabhikwa in Lupane.

Villagers told The Chronicle that they did not know the sangoma's name as he was relatively new in the village.

"We don't even know where he originated from," said a villager on condition of anonymity.

"The sangoma was last seen by neighbours the night before MaNgwenya was found dead." Chief Mabhikwa confirmed the incident saying the suspect was still at large. He said the village was shocked following the gruesome murder.

"We discourage members of the public from accommodating or living with people without first introducing them to local leadership. It is always wise to make new people known to headmen and village heads, be it relatives or employees.

"In this case it is difficult for people to assist the police with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect. What we only know is that he presented himself to the community as a traditional healer," said Chief Mabhikwa.

A neighbour who spoke on condition of anonymity said Ngwenya's body was found outside her bedroom undressed suggesting she might have been killed trying to run away.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Sipiwe Makonese confirmed the murder but said she was yet to get details.