Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THE usually calm Old Magwegwe neighbourhood in Bulawayo was jolted at the crack of dawn on Friday, September 12, as residents were confronted with the sight of a long-sought-after fugitive outside his family home.
It was none other than Silindi Ncube, a fugitive who had eluded authorities for the past eight years following the alleged murder of his sister, Patience.
The presence of the most-wanted man sent ripples of fear and disbelief through the community.
The sudden turn of events has left the Old Magwegwe community reeling as residents recall the tragic incident that haunted the suburb for nearly a decade.
A family member, who spoke briefly on the matter said they received a call from neighbours telling them to come outside to witness a shocking phenomenon.
“We found him seated outside the yard, early in the morning. He said nothing when we quizzed him. We then called other residents to assist us in the matter as it is very hurtful and strange. We escorted him to the police. That is all I can say for now,” said a family member, who preferred anonymity.
Speaking of the startling encounter, a resident said he never thought or believed he would ever see Silindi’s face again.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Nda sitting outside his family home. It was a surreal moment. He has been on the run for the past eight years and we thought maybe he committed suicide or perhaps crossed the border. He looked pale and dejected. Remorseful to say the least,” said a resident, who declined to be named.
Silindi, who was warmly known as Nda, had been on the run since the fateful incident when he allegedly killed his sister, Patience, in what was suspected to be a crime motivated by inheritance dispute.
The unresolved case has over the years haunted the community, with constant whispers and speculations about the whereabouts of the elusive Nda.
His unexpected appearance has left the community grappling with a mix of emotions, ranging from shock and disbelief to relief that he may finally be brought to justice.
“This development has reignited hope that justice will prevail for Patience and her family,” said a neighbour.
“We trust that the court will swiftly resolve the matter and bring closure to this tragic chapter.”
Meanwhile, Silindi yesterday appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mrs Melinda Mufungidza, facing murder charges and was remanded in custody to September 26. Mrs Mufungidza advised Silindi to apply for bail at the High Court.
According to court records, the cause of Patience’s death was strangulation.
The case, which had remained unsolved since June 2017, took a dramatic turn when police received a tip-off about Silindi’s whereabouts last Friday.
Bulawayo provincial deputy spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu said on Monday that police conducted a strategic arrest at Silindi’s residence, bringing an end to years of uncertainty for the victim’s family as well as that of the community.
She said at the time of the alleged murder, Silindi was 28 years old and the late Patience was 26.
Assistant Inspector Ndlovu said Patience was murdered and buried in a shallow grave behind their family home.
Patience was employed at a retail outlet in Entumbane suburb and she was killed while she was on leave.
She was reported missing on June 15, 2017 and her body was discovered two weeks later.
According to an article published in 2017, Silindi lied about Patience’s whereabouts to family members and neighbours.
Miss Angela Tshuma reported Patience missing.
She had travelled to Esigodini when Silindi allegedly killed Patience and lied to her that she had left with a boyfriend.
Miss Tshuma said Silindi told her that Patience had left with a boyfriend, who was driving a vehicle with South African number plates.
She said she did not believe Silindi’s story as all of Patience’s belongings were in the house.
Silindi, according to reports, stayed in the house as if nothing had happened, only to disappear a week later.
derick.khumalo