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Zibusiso Mangena, known as Zie by otsheketsha or omakorokoza in Gwanda, allegedly killed Constable Blessing Maminimini (30) on 15 October.
Cst Maminimini was killed while trying to restrain some people who were fighting at Cry Mantengwane Nightclub located at Phakama Shopping Centre when Mangena pounced on him.
Acting police spokesperson for Matabeleland South Province Assistant Inspector Christopher Ngwenya said Mangena had not yet been arrested.
“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information about the whereabouts of Zibusiso Mangena who allegedly stabbed to death Cst Maminimini on 15 October at Phakama Business Centre,” said Asst Insp Ngwenya.
He said Mangena’s last known address was in Phakama Township. Mangena was reportedly in the company of his friends when he allegedly committed the offence.
Soon after committing the offence, he left the scene while his friends also vanished into the darkness.
Mangena allegedly used a knife to stab the policeman three times in the chest.
Those who witnessed the incident told the police that Mangena had become problematic to other patrons at the nightclub where he was causing havoc.
Asst Insp Ngwenya said those with information could contact the investigating officer, Detective Inspector Collen Sigauke on phone numbers 0712596985 or (0284) 22820 or any nearest police station.
Informants could also use Hotline Number (0284) 20139.
Meanwhile, police in Gwanda held a meeting with residents on Saturday at Pelandaba Stadium in a bid to renew relations which had turned sour following the death of Cst Maminimini.
The meeting was called by politicians after residents reportedly complained that junior police officers were harassing and beating them and also destroying property.
Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Police Officer Commanding Matabeleland South (Operations), Assistant Commissioner Earnest Muchenjekwa said it was a pity that the police force had lost an officer.
Asst Comm Muchenjekwa also advised police officers to stop harassing people.
“I want to set the record straight that police have not launched an operation against members of the public. I want to promise people of Gwanda total peace and that starting today you would be seeing the police patrolling your communities to ensure that we all live in harmony.
“We have known Gwanda to be a peaceful place with people who are supportive of the police force. If we are divided, we are making criminals walk tall. Therefore, we appeal for your cordial and usual cooperation because together we can fight crime and make Gwanda a crime-free place,” said Asst Comm Muchenjekwa.
He appealed for people’s cooperation and also encouraged information flow between the police force and the community.
Speaking at the same meeting, Gwanda Central Member of Parliament Mr Patrick Dube urged the police to foster good relations with the residents to win people’s trust and confidence. “We must have trust in our police and what happened in Gwanda should never happen again,” he said.
The provincial Governor and Resident Minister Angeline Masuku also added her voice to the call for peace.
“We do not want violence in our province. We are aware that there are some enemies among you who want to disturb peace and pollute our province with bad acts,” she said while officially opening the Rainbow Province Arts Festival in Gwanda.
She bemoaned the death of Cst Maminimini, saying the province had lost a “dedicated son who always wanted to promote peace and order” in the mining town.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter