News / National
5 arrested over Silobela murder cases
26 May 2025 at 07:54hrs | Views
Police in Silobela have arrested five suspects in connection with two separate murder cases that occurred between May 12 and 15 at local drinking establishments in Chief Malisa's area, Midlands Province.
According to Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the two incidents involved brutal assaults that resulted in the deaths of a 67-year-old man and a 27-year-old man in separate attacks.
The first incident occurred on May 15 at around 5:30pm, when Ernest Machisa (67) of Gwetu Village was drinking with a friend at Gwetu Business Centre. Four suspects — Petro Ndini (27), Kwanele Ndini (24), Thulani Sibanda (23), and Michael Ngwenya (20), all of Gwetu Village — were also present at the same location.
"The next morning, Machisa was found dead with multiple stab wounds on his body," said Inspector Mahoko. "The matter was reported to Silobela police, and investigations led to the arrest of the four suspects."
In a separate case on May 12, Nkulumo Nyathi (27) of Majongosi Village was drinking at Dhlamini Tavern when a dispute broke out between him and Sipho Maseko (33). The situation escalated when Thembani Landu and Lovemore Talika Mhlanga (both 21), also from Majongosi Village, joined in the assault.
"They attacked Nyathi using a knobkerrie, a log and bricks before fleeing the scene," said Mahoko.
Nyathi succumbed to his injuries three days later, on May 15, at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo. Police have since arrested Maseko and Landu. However, Mhlanga remains at large.
"We appeal to members of the public who may have information on Lovemore Mhlanga's whereabouts to contact the nearest police station," Mahoko added.
The police have condemned the rising trend of violence at drinking spots and urged the public to resolve disputes peacefully. Investigations into both murder cases are ongoing.
According to Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the two incidents involved brutal assaults that resulted in the deaths of a 67-year-old man and a 27-year-old man in separate attacks.
The first incident occurred on May 15 at around 5:30pm, when Ernest Machisa (67) of Gwetu Village was drinking with a friend at Gwetu Business Centre. Four suspects — Petro Ndini (27), Kwanele Ndini (24), Thulani Sibanda (23), and Michael Ngwenya (20), all of Gwetu Village — were also present at the same location.
"The next morning, Machisa was found dead with multiple stab wounds on his body," said Inspector Mahoko. "The matter was reported to Silobela police, and investigations led to the arrest of the four suspects."
"They attacked Nyathi using a knobkerrie, a log and bricks before fleeing the scene," said Mahoko.
Nyathi succumbed to his injuries three days later, on May 15, at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo. Police have since arrested Maseko and Landu. However, Mhlanga remains at large.
"We appeal to members of the public who may have information on Lovemore Mhlanga's whereabouts to contact the nearest police station," Mahoko added.
The police have condemned the rising trend of violence at drinking spots and urged the public to resolve disputes peacefully. Investigations into both murder cases are ongoing.
Source - online
