Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu [email protected]
A wave of violent crime has rocked Bulawayo after five gruesome murder cases were recorded in and around the city within just five days, triggering intensive police investigations.
In a statement, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said the incidents involved a range of violent circumstances, including a fatal stabbing, an assault during a drinking spree, the alleged beating to death of a suspected thief, a suspected murder in which the victim was found unconscious, and a violent home invasion that later claimed a life.
“On the first case, police confirm the arrest of Nhlanhla Paulo Moyo (49), of Pumula South, Bulawayo, in connection with a murder which occurred on 10 May 2026 at around 7 PM.”
She said the now deceased, Tatenda Dylan Mushave (30), also of Pumula South, allegedly had a misunderstanding with the suspect. Moyo reportedly armed himself with a spear and stabbed Mushave once on the left side of the chest.
“The deceased fell to the ground and collapsed. The accused then fled from the scene with the spear,” she said.
Mushave was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police later received a tip-off that led to the suspect’s arrest in Nketa suburb and the recovery of the spear believed to have been used in the attack.
In the second case, police arrested Ephraim Banda (27), of Gonka Mine in Umguza, in connection with the death of Ntuthuko Ndlovu (24), of Pumula North, Bulawayo. According to Insp Msebele, the incident occurred on 28 April 2026 at around 2AM after the pair had allegedly been drinking beer together at Reserve Park in Umguza. The accused reportedly later took the now deceased to his residence.
“After some time, the now deceased’s friend heard the accused person shouting that he was going to kill the now deceased,” she said.
When they rushed to investigate, they found Ndlovu unconscious with a serious head injury and bleeding heavily. He later died in hospital on Friday, 8 May 2026, leading to Banda’s arrest.
The third case involved the death of Shaidu Mbandulila (34), of Killarney Squatter Camp, Bulawayo. Police said he and a friend were allegedly caught stealing from a tuckshop on 9 May 2026.
Insp Msebele said the suspects, identified only as Blessed, Luyando Sibanda, Zweli, Ali Muponda and Kile, allegedly assaulted the pair using a hammer-mill belt, knobkerrie and electric cable. The suspects also allegedly dropped burning plastic on their bodies before ordering them to leave.
The following morning, two juvenile girls reportedly discovered Mbandulila’s body lying in a maize field about 15 metres behind the tuckshop.
“The deceased sustained several injuries all over the body,” said Insp Msebele, adding that the suspects are still at large.
In the fourth incident, Nkosinosizo Nyathi (40), of Kensington, Bulawayo, was found unconscious at the gate of his home on 9 May at around 11PM.
Police said he had a swollen left eye and was bleeding from the head when he was discovered. He later died before being admitted to hospital.
“The deceased had a deep cut on the forehead, a swollen left eye and bruises on the chest,” said Insp Msebele.
The fifth case involved a violent robbery at a home in Khumalo, Bulawayo, on the night of 9 May.
Police said a 21-year-old woman was asleep when she heard her father screaming for help. She reportedly found two men assaulting him with a wooden plank while demanding cash.
“The accused persons pointed a pepper-spray gun at her, tied her feet and hands with an electric cord, covered her mouth with a towel and dragged her into her bedroom while demanding cash,” said Insp Msebele.
The woman later managed to free herself and alerted her brother via text message. His arrival reportedly disturbed the attackers, who escaped by jumping over the property’s precast.
The victim was taken to hospital with multiple injuries, but later died on 10 May while admitted.
Insp Msebele urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid violence, particularly after consuming alcohol.
Police have also appealed for information that could assist in locating the suspects still on the run, urging anyone with details to report to their nearest police station.
