Corpse holds Luveve family hostage

A Gwabalanda family endured a six-hour ordeal on Wednesday after the body of an unidentified man was found lying at their gate, preventing them from leaving the property.

The disturbing incident, which occurred near J Temba shops, quickly drew the attention of residents, with scores of people gathering at the scene as police investigated the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

According to Wellington Mubengeranwa, 50, one of his children discovered the body at around 6am when she opened the gate to leave for work.

"She staggered back into the house and notified us of the incident. The rest of the family stayed inside. Everyone was afraid to leave the house and go past the dead man," Mubengeranwa said.

The family immediately alerted the police and residents' leaders.

However, by around 11am, the body was reportedly still lying at the gate, leaving family members effectively confined to their home.

"When a news crew arrived at the scene around 11am, it was frustrating that police had not yet collected the body because members of my family were trapped inside and no one had gone to work," Mubengeranwa said.

Residents gathered around the scene as homicide detectives examined the area for possible clues.

Some residents, dressed in oversized coats to protect themselves from the biting cold, kept vigil while also redirecting children away from the scene to prevent them from seeing the body.

The deceased man was found wearing shorts, ankle boots and a dirty sweater. There were several marks around the body, suggesting that he may have moved or crawled around shortly before his death.

Some residents speculated that he could have attempted to seek assistance at the gate before collapsing.

Residents told the media that they had seen the man drinking at a nearby pub at around 7pm on Tuesday.

"He asked me where he could find kombis to Emakhandeni," said one resident who declined to be named.

Gwabalanda Masingcwabane Association chairperson Moses Thwala expressed concern over the length of time the body remained at the scene.

"It is taboo in our culture for a body to lie so long in the open where even children can see it," Thwala said.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway.

"The now deceased was wearing a brown pair of shorts, a black T-shirt, a black jacket and black boots. He had some bruises on the forehead, on both knees and appeared to be aged between 30 and 40 years," Msebele said.

She said the body had been taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.

Police appealed to members of the public who may have a missing relative matching the description to assist with identification.

"We appeal to members of the public with a missing relative matching the above description to contact ZRP Luveve on 0292 520 801-3 or visit any nearest police station or United Bulawayo Hospital Mortuary for body identification," Msebele said.

Msebele also urged members of the public to remain patient as investigations progressed, explaining that police officers must first secure and examine the scene before other specialists are brought in to assist with gathering evidence.

The circumstances surrounding the man's death remain unclear, with police investigations and the post-mortem examination expected to shed light on the cause of death.