Gibson Sibanda's son arrested

MBUSO Sibanda, son of the MDC-T former Vice President Gibson Sibanda was reportedly arrested on Sunday last week for allegedly stealing a cow belonging to a neighbour.

A close relative said Sibanda was arrested on Sunday at Silalatshani while he was in the company of his aunt.

"Sibanda was arrested at 11 am but police have not been clear as to how they charge him over stock theft," said the relative who asked to remain anonymous.

He said on his arrest, aunt wanted to accompany him to the police station in Filabusi to witness for him but the police said she cannot go and they took Sibanda alone.

The source said Sibanda spent Sunday night in police custody but was released on Monday and is set to appear in court soon. But court officials in Filabusi says Sibanda's case is not yet ready to be taken to court because it was still being investigated by the police.

The relative said the investigating officer in the case is one called Mapanzure and the beast which was reportedly stolen belonged to Obey Masilela who is said to have collected it sometime but later made a police report that Sibanda stole it.

"The cow was living among Sibanda's cattle since before his father (Gibson)'s death," said the relative.

"Masilela came and collected the beast and later we do not even know where he took it, he decided to make a police report alleging that Sibanda stole the beast. The main witness of when Masilela collected the beast is Pilate Sibanda who was there but to our surprise the police have not recorded or interviewed him in connection with the matter. We believe that the police could have gathered enough evidence from such a witness before they could arrest Sibanda and lock him up or take him to court."

Pilate Sibanda could not be reached for comment but the relative said he was ready to tell the story of how Masilela collected the beast even in court.

Matabeleland South Police were still looking for details from the Filabusi police district officers.