Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporter
A man from Gwanda, Progress Mguni, has reportedly skipped bail after being charged with the brutal murder of a fellow villager, Thapelo Tlou, in Mathengwane village, Mawaza.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, with the Mguni family’s reputation for vigilante justice once again under the spotlight.
According to sources and court documents, Progress Mguni and his brothers accused Tlou of stealing their cow.
In a chilling turn of events, the siblings allegedly abducted Tlou, subjecting him to a violent assault throughout the night.
Eyewitnesses say Tlou was even tied to a tree and beaten mercilessly.
Court documents state:
“The accused persons, acting in common purpose, did unlawfully and intentionally assault the now deceased, Thapelo Tlou, inflicting fatal injuries. The assault continued for several hours, during which the deceased was restrained and denied any form of assistance.”
Upon realising that Tlou had succumbed to his injuries, the brothers allegedly transported his body into the bush, using their cattle to erase any tracks leading from the scene.
They then secretly buried his remains in a shallow grave.
Tlou’s family, concerned by his sudden disappearance, began their own search. Their investigations led them to the Mguni homestead.
After persistent enquiries, one of the Mguni brothers reportedly broke down and confessed to the crime, guiding the family and police to the clandestine grave.
Police subsequently arrested the siblings, who were later granted bail pending trial.
However, in a dramatic twist, Progress Mguni has now reportedly skipped bail. Authorities suspect he has fled across the border into neighbouring South Africa.
The remaining brothers are still believed to be in the area under strict bail conditions.
Court records indicate:
“The accused, Progress Mguni, failed to present himself at the scheduled court appearance, thereby violating the conditions of his bail. His current whereabouts are unknown, and he is believed to have absconded from the jurisdiction of this court.”
The Mguni family is notorious in the Mawaza area for taking the law into their own hands, and many villagers reportedly fear reprisals for cooperating with law enforcement.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, said, “People are terrified. The Mguni family has always acted above the law, and now with Progress on the run, everyone is on edge.”
Gwanda police have since issued an appeal for information leading to the capture of Progress Mguni. Authorities warn that anyone found aiding his escape will face prosecution.
Police spokesperson Inspector Nomsa Dube stated, “We urge members of the public to assist with any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect. The law must take its course, and justice must be served for the Tlou family.”
The case remains open as law enforcement intensifies efforts to track down the fugitive. The community awaits justice for Thapelo Tlou, whose life was brutally ended in an act of vigilante violence that has left Mathengwane village reeling.
Londile Moyo