Sangoma found with missing cop's belongings

AN INYANGA from Gokwe has been arrested after he was found in possession of a missing police officer's belongings.

Constable Edmond Sibanda who is stationed at Tsholotsho Police Station reportedly went missing during his deployment at Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) offices at DDF premises in Tsholotsho.

The member had been deployed to guard duties as from October 10 to October 16 but he only reported for duty on the first day and thereafter disappeared to date.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the incident saying police suspected foul play in the disappearance of the officer.

She said the traditional healer is in police custody and is assisting them with investigations.

"We are investigating a case of a police officer from Tsholotsho who allegedly went missing on October 10 and his belongings which include his car, driver's licence and R2 500 were found with an inyanga in Gokwe.

"We suspect foul play to his disappearance and the inyanga is assisting police with investigations," said Chief Insp Makonese.

A source close to investigations said, it is alleged that on that same day, the victim informed his girlfriend Zenzele Ndlovu (24) of Efusini Township in Tsholotsho that he was travelling to Bulawayo for welfare.

The source that preferred anonymity said Sibanda did not report for duty again and efforts to locate him have been fruitless.

An official report of the missing officer was made on October 15.