Peter Matika [email protected]
POLICE have arrested a 39-year-old Bulawayo man in connection with the murder of a security guard who was shot dead while attempting to intervene during an armed robbery at a Silobela service station more than three years ago.
The suspect, identified as Makhosini Mathobela, also known as Talent or Khiwa, was arrested in Old Magwegwe following a tip-off received by police on Wednesday.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the murder occurred on 14 June 2023, when the now-deceased, Josiah Chidoma, was on duty at a service station in Silobela.
Chidoma, who was employed as a security guard, was working alongside a fuel attendant at around 1am when three armed suspects allegedly approached them under the pretext of wanting to buy fuel.
“The suspects produced pistols and grabbed the fuel attendant, demanding money. The petrol attendant handed over the cash she had,” said Insp Msebele.
Chidoma, who was armed with a revolver, reportedly observed the robbery from another office and attempted to intervene.
However, one of the suspects allegedly shot him in the chest, killing him on the spot, before the trio fled.
A police report was subsequently made, but Mathobela was only arrested this week after investigators received information linking him to the case.
Insp Msebele said police received information on 7 October that Mathobela was in Old Magwegwe, prompting officers to act on the tip-off and arrest him.
She commended members of the public for providing information that led to the arrest.
“We appreciate members of the public for supplying information that led to the arrest of the accused persons,” said Insp Msebele.
She warned members of the public against engaging in criminal activities, saying there was no hiding place for criminals.
