Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
A 43-year-old man ran amok and killed five people including a 101-year-old man and a 97-year-old woman before injuring two others in Madlambuzi, Matabeleland South Province.
Investigations revealed that the suspect was armed with a Mopani log, a blunt object, and an unknown sharp object while moving aggressively around the village. He was targeting anyone he came across.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a suspected mental patient, Phamani Sibanda (43), in connection with the murder of five people and the attempted murder of two complainants, which occurred on 20th August 2025 in Madlambuzi, Matabeleland South Province.
“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 he came across. Subsequently, five people died on the spot while two others were injured,” he said.
The five victims, who were identified by their next of kin, are 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 (6), a female juvenile of Bellas Village, Madlambuzi; and Catra Matsika (72), of Central Village, Madlambuzi.
The two injured females, aged 90 and 41, were admitted to Madlambuzi Clinic and Plumtree District Hospital for treatment.
Comm Nyathi said, “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 behaviour in order to curb violent tendencies. The public should alert the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800197, or report at any nearest police station.”
