UCE, Mpilo robber handcuffed and electric shock victims

A dangerous footpath predator who terrorised residents in Bulawayo's western suburbs with handcuffs and an electric shocker has finally been caught. Mthetheli Sibanda's reign of fear ended after a swift response from the police cycle patrol unit following a recent robbery report.

For weeks, Sibanda targeted vulnerable pedestrians - including students from United College of Education (UCE) and staff from Mpilo Central Hospital - preying on those walking alone along narrow footpaths late at night.

"He would hide in bushes or dark corners, then pounce on unsuspecting victims," said a source close to the investigations. "His attacks were calculated to strike when people were most vulnerable."

The predator's luck ran out when officers from the Bulawayo Cycle Patrol Unit quickly responded to a fresh robbery complaint. Upon arriving at the scene, they found the victim shaken but unharmed and immediately launched a search operation.

"The police tracked Sibanda hiding behind a thicket nearby," the source revealed. "They found him in possession of handcuffs and an electric shocker, weapons he reportedly used to subdue his victims."

At the police station, Sibanda claimed the handcuffs belonged to his father while asserting he had purchased the stun device himself.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the arrest, stating:
"We apprehended a man who was ambushing and robbing people near UCE and Mpilo Hospital. He was found carrying handcuffs and an electric shocker, both illegal items."

Inspector Msebele also issued a stern warning to the public:
"These footpaths have become hunting grounds for robbers. It is safer to take longer, well-lit routes than risk your safety."

Sibanda faces charges of robbery and illegal possession of restricted items and is expected to appear in court shortly.