Online Reporter
Musawenkosi Moyo
THE past finally caught up with a fugitive from Hope Fountain on the outskirts of Bulawayo, who has been on the run for nearly two months after allegedly killing his neighbour in a brutal love-fuelled rage.
Nanzelela Ncube (28) was smoked out of hiding this week and arrested by police after he killed 63-year-old Zama Dube — accusing him of proposing to his late brother’s wife.
The incident, which rocked the normally quiet community of Hope Fountain in Umguza, happened on 2 February 2025. Dube had been tending to flowers outside his home when Ncube stormed in, fuming with jealousy.
“The now deceased Zama Dube (63) of the same village… was at his home outside the gate planting flowers when he was confronted by the accused person who accused him of having an affair with his late brother’s wife,” said Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
A heated confrontation turned violent — Ncube reportedly grabbed a log and struck Dube multiple times, leaving him with deep head wounds.
Dube was rushed to hospital by neighbours, but despite efforts to save him, he died on 11 February 2025 due to the severity of his injuries.
The alleged killer then vanished — until a tip-off on 9 April led police to his grandmother’s homestead.
“The police proceeded to carry out a raid… and the accused was not located. Suddenly, the accused person was heard talking at their neighbour’s homestead. An ambush was laid… he tried to run, but police gave chase and managed to arrest him,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
Cops say justice was made possible by vigilant residents who refused to let a killer walk free.
“We urge members of the public to desist from violent conduct but rather engage third parties and solve their disputes amicably. We also appreciate members of the public for working with police by supplying information that led to the arrest of the accused person,” added Ast Insp Msebele.
Ncube now faces a murder charge — all for a love that wasn’t even his.
