Danisa Masuku
A 20-litre bucket of water was at the centre of a horror killing in Nkayi, where a 38-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death by a 15-year-old boy and his accomplice.
Nkosilathi Moyo of Belmont Suburb was reportedly walking home with his bucket of water at around 9.30pm on 26 October when he allegedly crossed paths with Siphamandla Khumalo, 15, and Vusani Sibanda, 22, both of Tshanke Village.
What should have been an ordinary encounter ended in bloodshed, with Khumalo allegedly pulling out a knife and stabbing Moyo twice — once in the chest and once on the right side of his ribs.
Moyo reportedly tried to flee, running about 25 metres before collapsing face down and dying at the scene.
His attackers allegedly disappeared into the darkness, leaving him lying in a pool of blood beside his bucket of water.
Police have since arrested Khumalo, who is facing a murder charge, while Sibanda remains on the run.
The killing has reportedly left villagers shaken, with some saying they are now afraid to walk at night or send children to fetch water.
“We are now living in fear. We cannot walk at night because these boys are moving around with knives. We thought children would be at school but they are killing people,” said Mbulawa Moyo.
Another villager, Sakhile Ndlovu, said the community no longer felt safe.
“We are scared. That man was just carrying water to his house. Now we are afraid to send our children to fetch water. We want police to patrol the area,” said Ndlovu.
Matabeleland North Police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the arrest and appealed for information that could lead to Sibanda’s arrest.
“We confirm the arrest of one accused person in connection with a murder case which occurred in Belmont Suburb, Nkayi.
“Our investigations led to the arrest and we are appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of the remaining accused person, Vusani Sibanda,” said Inspector Banda.
