Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
THREE artisanal miners allegedly hacked a fellow miner to death with an axe during a violent dispute at a mine on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
Police have arrested Thembalami Sibanda (26) of Pumula North, Derick Mkhandla (24) of Lobengula West and Nqobani Mathuthuka (31) of Nkulumane in connection with the gruesome murder of Ngalwenhle Maseko (25) of Mahatshula South.
The blood-soaked incident happened on 1 May 2025 at around 8.30PM when two rival groups of artisanal miners clashed over gold ore at the mine.
Armed with machetes and axes, the argument quickly exploded into a full-blown fight. In the chaos, the accused persons allegedly struck Maseko on the head with an axe, killing him instantly.
After the brutal attack, the suspects vanished from the area and went into hiding.
Their luck finally ran out on 14 February 2026 at around 11.30PM. Police received a tip-off leading to the arrest of Sibanda at a city hotel.
During questioning, Sibanda allegedly spilled the beans and named his accomplices, including Mzwandile Moyo, who remains on the run.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele applauded members of the public for providing information that cracked the case and sent a stern warning to criminals on the run.
“No matter how far you flee, the long arm of the law will catch up with you,” she said police said, adding that the hunt for the remaining suspect is still underway.
Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspect is urged to report to the nearest police station.
