Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
MADLAMBUDZI villagers are still numb with shock after a 43-year-old man believed to be mentally unstable went berserk and butchered five people, among them a 101-year-old man and a 6-year-old girl.
Government has stepped in with a State-assisted funeral for the victims, who will be laid to rest under the care of Doves Funeral Services.
Police confirmed the gory incident which played out like a horror movie on Wednesday.
The suspect, Phamani Sibanda, stormed through Bellas and Central Villages in Madlambuzi armed with a Mopani log, a blunt object and a sharp weapon. He attacked anyone he came across, killing five and leaving two more nursing serious injuries.
The victims were named as centenarian Elliot Khupe (101), Butho Tshuma (97), Constance Sibanda (66), little Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu (6), and Catra Matsika (72).
Bulilima District Development Coordinator Onesimo Zogara and Bulilima Rural District Council chief executive officer Biliati Mulauzi visited the grieving families to deliver Government’s message of condolence and solidarity.
“We mourn with the families on this sad, unfortunate tragedy. Government is giving burial assistance through Doves, who are providing coffins, food and tents,” said Mr Zogara.
The massacre has left Madlambuzi reeling in grief, with villagers saying the bloodbath will haunt them for years to come.
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derick.khumalo