Madlambuzi killings: Police release names of the five victims

Sikhumbuzo Moyo

POLICE have released the names of five deceased individuals who died following a vicious attack by a suspected mental patient, Phamani Sibanda (43) from Bellas Village, Madlambudzi in Matabeleland South province on Wednesday.

The suspect went into a three-hour killing rage where he attacked the five villagers, four females that include a six-year-old toddler and a 101-year-old male.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a suspected mental patient, Phamani Sibanda (43), in connection with the murder of five people and attempted murder on two complainants which occurred on 20th August 2025 in Madlambuzi, Matabeleland South Province,” said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

Comm Nyathi said the suspect ran amok, became violent and attacked seven people with a Mopani log, a blunt object and an unknown sharp object while moving aggressively around the village.
“He was targeting anyone whom he came across with. Subsequently, five people died on the spot while two others were injured,” said Comm Nyathi.

The two injured victims, aged 90 and 41, were admitted at Madlambudzi Clinic and Plumtree District Hospital for treatment.

The five victims have since been identified by their next of kin and are named as Elliot Khupe (101), a male adult of Bellas Village, Madlambuzi, Butho Tshuma (97), a female adult of Bellas Village, Madlambuzi, Constance Sibanda (66), a female adult of Bellas Village, Madlambuzi, Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu (six), a female juvenile of Bellas Village, Madlambuzi and Catra Matsika (72), of Central Village, Madlambuzi.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to quickly refer mental patients to medical institutions for treatment and to monitor their medical process and general behavior in order to curb violent tendencies,” said Comm Nyathi.