Manhunt for backyard burial 'killer'

POLICE are looking for a 28-year-old man who allegedly killed his sister and buried the body in a shallow pit in the backyard of their Old Magwegwe home.

Since the body was exhumed on June 19, the man has been on the run.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said Silinde Ncube is wanted in connection with his sister's murder.

"We are appealing for information that may lead to the location and detention of a murder suspect Silinde Ncube alias 'Nde' who went missing on 19 June 2017. His last known address is Number 1339 Old Magwegwe suburb where he stayed with his sisters, Angela Tshuma and the now deceased Patience Ncube," reads the statement.

She said Angela left home for Esigodini on June 14 and left Patience and Ncube at home.

Upon her return, she could not locate her sister and her brother said Patience had suddenly left for South Africa.

When she realised that all of Patience's belongings, including all her clothes and personal possessions were in the house, she became suspicious and reported the matter to the police.

Police later received a tip off that Ncube had been seen digging a pit in the yard in which he had buried an unidentified object.

Acting on the tip off, police officers dug at the spot and discovered the deceased's remains.

Insp Simango said anyone who may have information on Ncube's whereabouts must report at the nearest station.

"Anyone with information that may assist in the location of the suspect is kindly asked to contact the investigating officer Constable Mbofana on mobile number 0775 102 264 or the officer in charge of CID homicide Bulawayo, Detective Chief Inspector Mwezi M on (09) 71568 or 0772 312 645 or the nearest police station," she said.

In another matter, police are investigating a suspected murder case after the body of an unidentified man was found in an advanced state of decomposition last month.

The man who had a deep cut on the neck was found at Mazwi Nature Reserve in Umguza on August 13.

"The deceased was putting on a grey pair of trousers, a long sleeved striped blue and white shirt as well as a multi-coloured T-shirt and multi coloured boxer shorts. He was also wearing a brown blazer, a cream plastic belt and a white cap," said Insp Simango.

"Anyone with information that may lead to the identification of the deceased should contact the officer in charge CID Homicide Bulawayo Inspector Siwela S. on 0775 503359 or on (09) 71568 or the Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Bhebhe M. on 0773 022 723 or on (09) 77523."