Man arrested after fatal robbery attack on employer

A 24-year-old Bulawayo man has been arrested in connection with the killing of his employer during a violent night-time robbery at the businessman's home, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed on Thursday. A second suspect remains on the run.

Kelvin Matambudziko Ndavambi was arrested on May 13 in Bulawayo's central business district while allegedly attempting to board a bus to Harare, four days after the attack.

Police said the victim, Noor Hussein (67), a foreign national businessman, was attacked at his residence in the Khumalo suburb of Bulawayo on the night of May 9.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Ndavambi and an accomplice identified only as Dhlamini forced their way into the home armed with pistols and wooden planks before assaulting Hussein in front of his family.

"The suspect who was in the company of an accomplice identified as Dhlamini went to the businessman's residence and attacked him during the night while armed with pistols, wooden planks and strangled him with a towel in front of his family," Nyathi said.

Hussein was taken to hospital but died from his injuries the following day.

Police said family members raised the alarm during the attack, prompting nearby relatives to rush to the scene. The suspects fled by jumping over a boundary wall.

Authorities have not disclosed whether investigators believe the attack was premeditated or how long Ndavambi had been employed by the victim.

The second suspect, Dhlamini, remains at large, with police appealing for information to assist in his arrest.

"Meanwhile, the Police is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Dhlamini," Nyathi said.

Police have not released further identifying details of the fugitive and have not confirmed the nationality of the deceased businessman.

Members of the public with information have been urged to contact the National Complaints Desk or report to the nearest police station as investigations continue.