Vusumuzi Dube
Danisa Masuku, Online Reporter
A man who allegedly killed his younger sister in 2017 and buried her in a pit at their Bulawayo home has been arrested, ending an eight-year manhunt.
Silindi Ncube was spotted at his home in Old Magwegwe, prompting police to swoop and apprehend him, authorities said.
The tragic murder shocked neighbours, who had long suspected foul play after Patience Ncube disappeared while on leave from her retail job.
Suburban backyard burial: Man ‘kills’ sister, buries body in shallow pit – herald
Police said they received a tip-off that Silindi Ncube, wanted for the murder of his sister Patience Ncube, had been spotted at his home, prompting a swift operation.
“Police from Nkulumane District crack team received a tip-off that Silindi, who was wanted for murdering his younger sister, was spotted at his home. They swiftly dashed there and arrested him,” said a source.
Bulawayo acting Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu confirmed the arrest and commended the crack team for their quick action.
“I can confirm that we have arrested Silindi Ncube, who has been on the run since 2017 on suspicion of murdering his younger sister and burying her body in a pit at their home. I would like to commend police from Nkulumane District crack team for their swift reaction,” said Ndlovu.
In 2017, Patience, who worked at a retail outlet, went missing while on leave. Her cousin, Angela Tshuma, reported her disappearance after noticing that Patience’s belongings, including handbags, cosmetics and shoes, remained in the house.
Silindi had allegedly misled Angela, claiming Patience had left with her boyfriend in a car with South African plates. Neighbours later reported seeing him digging a large pit and dumping a sheet-covered object early one morning.
When police finally excavated the yard, after mounting pressure from suspicious residents, they discovered Patience’s body folded, wrapped in a blanket, and hidden in the pit.
Neighbour Sithabile Mawere recalled the horrifying discovery.
“Silindi had dug two pits to mislead us. The first was empty, but we insisted police keep digging. That’s when they uncovered her body. It was devastating,” he said.
Residents described Silindi as a violent drunk who often stole from his sister and sold household property. Their grandmother, the homeowner, had been living in Nkayi at the time, leaving Patience and Silindi alone in the house.
The motive for the murder remains unknown. Silindi is expected to appear at Western Commonage Court for routine remand on murder charges.
Online Reporter