Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza,[email protected]
POLICE in Bulawayo are investigating a double murder that occurred outside a nightclub at Chigumira Business Centre in Luveve suburb on Wednesday morning, leaving residents in shock.
The deceased have been identified by police as Bishop Ncube (46) of Lobengula West and Malach Ndlovu (40) of Luveve. Ncube and Ndlovu had been drinking at a local nightclub when a violent altercation reportedly broke out, allegedly involving a group believed to be illegal gold miners.
“On Tuesday at around 2AM, a 39-year-old male from Old Luveve was at Chigumira Shopping Centre with his friends when he was approached by an unknown woman who informed him that there was a fight between the now deceased and seven unidentified male adults, who appeared to be illegal miners. The informant found Ncube lying on the ground, bleeding profusely from a stab wound on the forehead and a deep cut on the left thigh,” said Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu.
The informant transported Ncube to Mpilo Central Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. A police report was filed and officers proceeded to Chigumira Shopping Centre to investigate further.
“During subsequent investigations at the scene, police officers observed blood at the entrance of a local bar. Following the trail of blood, they discovered the second body. The deceased, Malach Ndlovu, aged 40, of Luveve, was found lying with deep stab wounds. His body was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for a post-mortem,” said Assistant Inspector Ndlovu.
Police are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of those responsible for the double murder.
“We also urge the public to resolve disputes amicably rather than resorting to violence, which leads to unnecessary loss of life.”
When a Chronicle news crew arrived at the scene yesterday morning, Luveve residents were still reeling from the incident. Standing in small groups, residents recounted the violent scenes that had unfolded outside their homes in the early hours.
“There is a trail of blood outside a money exchange booth, and two bricks that may have been used in the attack also have blood on them,” said local resident Mr Enock Mpofu.
He said he heard commotion outside the nightclub around 1 AM but dismissed it as a typical drunken brawl.
“Police collected the body of the other man a few metres from the nightclub, where it’s believed he collapsed after being attacked. A lot of illegal gold miners drink at the nightclub, so, violent confrontations are common,” he added.
Mr Tapiwanashe Mapfumo, the nightclub proprietor, said CCTV footage captured outside the establishment shows one man being attacked by several individuals.
“I understand one of the deceased died at Mpilo Hospital after his friends used his vehicle to transport him there. The other man’s body was collected by police early in the morning. The footage shows a group of people arguing before one of the men collapsed. We will leave it to the police to carry out further investigations,” Mr Mapfumo said.
Residents’ association leader Mrs Petronella Mguni said the community was disturbed by the violent acts that claimed two lives. She said some entertainment venues in the area operate late into the night, often resulting in fights.
“The nightclubs must adhere to the legal closing times to prevent unruly behaviour by patrons who drink late and end up fighting. We don’t feel safe living in an area where people can be murdered and the attackers vanish without a trace,” said Mrs Mguni.
Another resident, Ms Nomvelo Moyo, said the use of illegal substances and drugs was fuelling violence in the area.
“People come from all over Bulawayo to drink here, and some don’t think twice about committing serious crimes because they have no family ties in Luveve. Bottles of bronco are scattered everywhere in the morning, a sign that people are abusing illegal substances,” said Ms Moyo.
BronCleer, commonly known as bronco, is a cough syrup widely abused —especially by youths — to get intoxicated.
