Five murder cases rock Bulawayo

Police in Bulawayo are investigating five separate murder cases recorded over the past five days in and around the city, involving incidents ranging from fatal stabbings and assaults to robbery-related violence.

In a statement, Nomalanga Msebele said the cases reflected a disturbing rise in violent crime, with some incidents linked to alcohol abuse and mob justice.

In the first case, police arrested Nhlanhla Paulo Moyo (49) of Pumula South in connection with the murder of Tatenda Dylan Mushave (30), which allegedly occurred on 10 May.

According to police, the two men had a misunderstanding before Moyo allegedly armed himself with a spear and stabbed Mushave once in the chest.

"The deceased fell to the ground and collapsed. The accused then fled from the scene with the spear," said Insp Msebele.

Mushave was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police later arrested the suspect in Nketa following a tip-off and recovered the spear believed to have been used in the attack.

In another incident, Ephraim Banda (27) of Gonka Mine in Umguza was arrested over the death of Ntuthuko Ndlovu (24) of Pumula North.

Police said the pair had allegedly been drinking together at Reserve Park in Umguza on 28 April before Banda reportedly took Ndlovu to his residence.

"After some time, the now deceased's friend heard the accused person shouting that he was going to kill the now deceased," Insp Msebele said.

Ndlovu was later found unconscious with severe head injuries and died in hospital on 8 May.

Police are also investigating the suspected vigilante killing of Shaidu Mbandulila (34) of Killarney Squatter Camp.

Mbandulila and another man were allegedly caught stealing from a tuckshop on 9 May before being assaulted by five suspects identified only as Blessed, Luyando Sibanda, Zweli, Ali Muponda and Kile.

The suspects allegedly used a hammer-mill belt, knobkerrie and electric cable during the assault before ordering the victims to leave. Mbandulila's body was discovered the following morning in a nearby maize field with multiple injuries.

"The deceased sustained several injuries all over the body," said Insp Msebele.

The suspects remain at large.

In a fourth case, Nkosinosizo Nyathi (40) of Kensington was found unconscious outside his home on 9 May with serious head injuries and bruises. He died before being admitted to hospital.

Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack are continuing.

The fifth incident involved a violent robbery at a home in Khumalo on the night of 9 May.

Police said a 21-year-old woman awoke to her father screaming for help and found two men assaulting him with a wooden plank while demanding money.

The attackers allegedly threatened the woman with a pepper-spray gun, tied her up with an electric cord and dragged her into a bedroom while continuing to demand cash.

She later managed to free herself and alert her brother by text message, prompting the suspects to flee by jumping over the property's durawall.

The injured man was taken to hospital but later died on 10 May.

Police have appealed to members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid resorting to violence, particularly after consuming alcohol.

Authorities are also urging anyone with information regarding the outstanding suspects to report to the nearest police station.