Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
A BULAWAYO woman from Tshabalala suburb turned from praise to peril after she allegedly used her church ties and personal car to set up a brutal robbery and kidnapping that left a tyre repairman battered and broke.
The shocking incident, which happened last Sunday, has left residents stunned after it was revealed that the alleged mastermind is a well-known churchgoer who used her faith circle to gain the victim’s trust.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that Sithabiso Ndlovu, who operates a small tyre repair business, received a call from Sithembile Sibanda. The woman, who he knew from church, told him her friends were selling a tyre compressor and pressure gauge for US$1 500. Interested, Ndlovu agreed to meet them.
Sithembile arrived at his shop with three men identified as Clayton Chidomaya, Jabulani Sibanda and another only known as SaDumo. The group asked him to get into Sithembile’s vehicle so they could take him to see the equipment.
They drove to a house in Nketa suburb said to belong to one of Sithembile’s fellow congregants. Only a housemaid was home. Once there, they showed Ndlovu the equipment and he told them he could only offer US$1 400. They agreed to the price.
Suddenly the deal turned into a nightmare.
While Ndlovu was counting the cash, one of the men allegedly grabbed a T-shirt, covered his face and twisted his hands behind his back while warning him to keep quiet. They took the money and bundled him back into the car.
The gang drove to Nketa 6 garage where the violence escalated.
“They kicked and punched him, demanding he call his relatives and tell them he had been kidnapped. They wanted more money,” said a source.
Ndlovu tried to reach his wife but her phone was unreachable. The suspects later dumped him near the garage and sped off.
He reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of Clayton, Jabulani and SaDumo. Sithembile is believed to have fled the country.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident.
“We arrested three suspects linked to the kidnapping and robbery of a man who was later dumped in Nketa suburb. Investigations are still ongoing. We appeal to the public for any information that may help us locate the female suspect,” she said.
What was supposed to be a business transaction has exposed a dangerous mix of betrayal, faith and criminal deceit.
@danisamasuku_bmetro
