Five butchered in bloody weekend

Itai Mazire

In a harrowing wave of violence that has gripped the city of Bulawayo, police are investigating five separate murders, including a brutal spearing, a torture slaying, and a home invasion robbery that turned deadly.

Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, revealed the gruesome details, confirming arrests in two cases while launching a manhunt for five suspects in another.

In the most visceral attack, a Pumula South man was stabbed through the chest with a spear following a misunderstanding.

Inspector Msebele confirmed the arrest of Nhlanhla Paulo Moyo, 49, saying the murder occurred on 10 May 2026 at around 1900 hours.

“The accused person then armed himself with a spear and stabbed him once on the left side of the chest with a spear. The deceased fell to the ground and collapsed.”

She noted that a tip-off led to the recovery of the murder weapon.

“Police received a tip off which lead to his arrest and recovery of the spear which was used.”

In a case that has horrified the community, school children discovered the body of a man after he was tortured by a vigilante mob for stealing.

Inspector Msebele stated that the third case occurred on the 09th of May 2026 at around 1400 hours where the deceased was caught stealing.

“The five accused persons started assaulting them with a hammer mill belt, knobkerrie, an electricity cable all over the body and dropping burning plastics on top of their bodies.”

“On 10 May 2026 at around 0900 hours, two female juveniles were playing in a maize field they saw the now deceased lying facing upwards,” she said.

Police arrested Ephraim Banda, 27, after the death of Ntuthuko Ndlovu.

Inspector Msebele said this case occurred on 28 April 2026 at around 0200 hours.

“The now deceased’s friend heard the accused person shouting that he was going to kill the now deceased.” The victim later passed away on 8 May 2026.

Nkosinosizo Nyathi, 40, was found bleeding outside his home.

“The fourth case happened on 09 May 2026, at around 2300 hours.
“He had a deep cut on the forehead, a swollen left eye and bruises on the chest.” He died before hospital admission.

A 21-year-old woman was tied with an electric cord as her father was beaten to death.

“Finally, on 09 May 2026 at around 2100 hours, the complainant was asleep in her bedroom when she heard her father screaming for help.”

“On 10 May 2026, the now deceased passed away while admitted.”

Inspector Msebele said a manhunt is underway for suspects identified only as Blessed, Luyando Sibanda, Zweli, Ali Muponda and Kile.

The suspects are wanted in connection with the torture slaying.

She said anyone with information is urged to report to the nearest police station.