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Chronicle Reporter
THE family of Sabelo Sithole from Emgiqwa line in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North province, has come forward to the media with a plea for assistance in locating her after she vanished under mysterious circumstances.
The distressed family members have raised alarming concerns about the events leading up to Sabelo’s sudden disappearance and are now seeking answers.
According to a close relative who wishes to remain anonymous, Sabelo was coerced into marriage by certain family members to a local headman, Zwide Nxumalo, following the death of her husband, Future Mahlangu, in 2019.
The relative disclosed that Nxumalo, a well-known traditional healer and member of the ruling Zanu-PF party, had manipulated these family members into pressuring Sabelo into becoming his third wife. It is alleged that Nxumalo’s ulterior motive was to gain control of Mahlangu’s businesses, which Sabelo had inherited.
“When Mahlangu passed away, we were shocked when Nxumalo approached the family, and told us of his intentions to take Sabelo as his third wife. Some of us we were against it but he threatened us with unspecified action if we block his move,” said the relative.
Disturbingly, the relative revealed that Sabelo had confided in some family members about the abusive treatment she endured at the hands of Nxumalo ever since moving into his homestead.
“She reportedly suffered from marital rape and was coerced into participating in ritual activities against her Christian beliefs. There was nothing much she could do or even us because Nxumalo is heavily connected owing to his position within Zanu-PF,” said the relative.
The relative further expressed suspicions that Nxumalo may have been involved in the deaths of both Mahlangu and Sabelo’s brother, Reuben Ndodana Sithole, who passed away under questionable circumstances.
“Nxumalo is someone who likes rituals and is suspected to have done worse in the village, we are told that at one point when he was drunk he boasted to have been behind Mahlangu and Reuben’s death and that no one could do anything to him,” said the relative.
As fears mount for Sabelo’s safety following her sudden disappearance, the family is on edge. The relative shared that Nxumalo has been incessantly harassing them, claiming he will not rest until he locates Sabelo.
The family is increasingly concerned about the welfare and whereabouts of their beloved Sabelo and is appealing for any leads or information that could help unravel the mystery surrounding her disappearance.
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