Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma Online Reporter
THE ruling party Zanu PF Bulilima leadership has mourned five murder victims in the Madlambudzi area who were gruesomely murdered by a suspected mentally unstable man.
Government is set to provide funeral assistance to the five victims, where Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe is expected to officiate at the funeral service on Friday at Madlambudzi Hall in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South province.
The deceased are Elliot Khupe (101), a male adult of Bellas Village, Madlambuzi; Butho Tshuma (97), a female adult of Bellas Village, Madlambuzi; Constance Sibanda (66), a female adult of Bellas Village, Madlambuzi; Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu (6), a female juvenile of Bellas Village, Madlambuzi; and Catra Matsika (72), of Central Village, Madlambuzi.
Zanu-PF Politburo member, Cde Richard Ndlovu said they have been left shell shocked and are still coming to terms with the incident.
“This incident is really hard to stomach. This is a painful loss for Bulilima and one questions if really this person is really mentally challenged.
“The community is traumatised by this situation and we mourn with the families in such a difficult time,” said Cde Ndlovu.
Bulilima Proportional Representative (PR) member of parliament Dr Evelyn Ndlovu who is also Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife urged communities to regularly check up on people with various challenges in life.
“This is a big loss to the community of Madlambudzi, Bulilima, Matabeleland South and the country as a whole. We were all shocked by the incident and we feel there is need for the medical staff to continuously look after these people who are mentally challenged.
“We also feel there is need for medication to be in the hospitals and clinics so that there are attended soon as they show signs of being mentally challenged. We appeal to families with people who are mentally challenged to keep a close eye on these people,” said Minister Ndlovu.
She confirmed that another suspected mentally challenged person around Madlambudzi area tried to attack three women in the past days.
“We already have another incident in Tsukuru where again a mentally challenged man tried to forcibly open the door where two old ladies and a young lady were sleeping.
“These incidents it’s unfortunate to the country and we have to continuously look after our people. We have to create some jobs for them so that there are continuously engaged and don’t relax and relapse in their condition,” said Minister Ndlovu.
Bulilima Constituency legislator Cde Dingumuzi Phuti who is also Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services said he joins the Government of Zimbabwe in mourning the unexpected loss of lives.
“I join the nation in mourning five people who lost their lives to an unusual act by a man who beat all of them resulting in this tragedy.
“It is very sad that this had to happen not because of any particular cause by just unfortunate occurrences that take place within some communities. It is unfortunate that l may not join other mourners for the service on Friday as well as Saturday but my soul and spirit will be with everyone in mourning our dear departed community members,” said Cde Phuti.
He said part of the victims were active participants in developmental programmes in the area.
“Most of these have been strong participants of Government national development programmes and it is sad that we lost them at a time where we are accelerating social and economic growth in our communities as able challenged to do so by His Excellency President Mnangagwa in building resilient communities that will lead us to an upper middle income society.
“I am very grateful with the participation that has taken place through support from our traditional leaders in Madlambudzi, Zanu PF leadership in Madlambudzi, law enforcement agency in Madlambudzi and as well as the support that Government has given through President and the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland South province,” said Cde Phuti.
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