Man strangles mother to death

A MZILIKAZI suburb man in Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly strangling his mother to death in unclear circumstances.

Keith Mponda (25) from Mhlophe flats, Mzilikazi high-density suburb, killed his mother, Molly Mponda, on Monday evening.

According to a police report, Sibeke Khumalo (68), an informant and neighbour, heard Molly screaming before she went silent.

Khumalo reportedly went to investigate and the accused person allegedly locked the door and fled.

"She (Khumalo) unlocked the door and discovered the now-deceased lying haplessly on the floor," read the police report in part.

Khumalo reported the matter to the police, leading to Mponda's arrest.

"The body was examined for injuries and some bruises were noted on the neck and on the bottom right eye. Hair was also noted on the shoulders of the deceased, an indication that the accused strangled and had plucked the deceased's hair," the police report stated.

The police report indicates that the deceased's tennis shoes were found in the kitchen. Pots and pans were scattered on the floor, and the kitchen unit was displaced, suggesting that the deceased and accused had tussled in the kitchen.

"Information on the whereabouts of the accused person was received, leading to the arrest of the accused at a family friend's house in the same suburb," the report further read.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the case, which she said was under investigation.