Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
A MARRIED man in Silobela, Midlands province allegedly tied explosives to his head before blowing himself up after being jilted by a lover.
Midlands provincial acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident which occurred on Friday at around 3PM.
She said the now deceased Isaac Shumba (31) of Kwayikwayi Village under Chief Malisa in Silobela was allegedly chased away by his 24-year-old girlfriend and decided to end his life.
“Police in Silobela are investigating a case of sudden death where a 31-year- old male adult died after he blew off his head with explosives for being jilted.
The incident occurred on April 28 at around 3PM at a kiosk at Mahari Business Centre, Chief Malisa in Silobela,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
She said Shumba allegedly visited his girlfriend at the same business centre.
Asst Insp Mukwende said it is alleged that his girlfriend told him to go back to his family and this did not go down well with him.
She said a misunderstanding allegedly arose between the two.
“It is further alleged that the estranged Isaac Shumba ran amok wielding a knife, threatening to kill anyone who came close while fastening explosives on his head.
He ignited the fuse of the explosives which blew off his head whilst standing at the veranda of the kiosk,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
She said Shumba died on the spot and a report was made to the police who attended the scene.
“Parts of his body were ferried to Silobela hospital mortuary for post-mortem while investigations are in progress.
Once again, police are appealing to members of the public to solve their disputes or differences amicably by engaging a third party so as to be able to manage their issues.
Use of violence leads to unnecessary loss of lives this incident could have been avoided,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
In a separate incident, Asst Insp Mukwende said police are investigating the murder of a 47-year-old man at his homestead.
She said on April 23 at around 4PM, Last Mpofu of Torvo 2 resettlement in Lower Gweru visited the suspect Emson Ncube (73) of the same area at his homestead demanding his money.
“A misunderstanding arose between the two and the suspect armed himself with a log and struck Last Mpofu several times all over the body causing him serious injuries.
His condition deteriorated on April 25 and was taken to a nearby clinic for treatment by a well-wisher. He was later referred to Gweru Provincial Hospital where he was treated and discharged,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
She said unfortunately on Thursday at around 6PM, Mpofu died at his homestead.
“A report was made to the police at ZRP Maboleni who attended the scene.
The body of the deceased was taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital for post- mortem. The accused is assisting police with investigations, he will appear in court soon facing murder charges,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
Online Reporter