Man kills girlfriend, keeps body for two days

A VICTORIA Falls man who is employed as a domestic worker allegedly strangled his girlfriend to death accusing her of infidelity and kept the body in his room for two days.

The alleged murder took place on Sunday night in Low Density suburb where the suspect, Bothwell Nkomo (28), was employed as a domestic worker. Police have confirmed the arrest of Nkomo for the murder of his girlfriend aged 24, name not given, who had visited him.

The alleged murder comes as cases of crimes of passion are prevalent in communities. It is not clear whether the two had a physical fight or argument before the alleged murder.

Indications are that Nkomo may have killed his girlfriend on Sunday and stayed in his room at a cottage at his workplace with the lifeless body.

Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda, said investigations are being carried out to ascertain what transpired.

“Police in Victoria Falls have arrested Bothwell Nkomo for allegedly murdering his 24-year-old girlfriend at his place of residence in Victoria Falls.

“He states that he strangled her when he discovered that she was in love with other men. Investigations are still in progress,” said Insp Banda.

He urged conflicting parties to resolve their disputes peacefully saying the police in Matabeleland North would not hesitate to deal with those who choose to take the law into their own hands. “Those who objectify and abuse women at will shall not be spared,” he said.

In a separate case, Insp Banda said, police in Mbembesi arrested three men who had allegedly stolen nine goats from a villager in Ntabazinduna.

He said the three suspects pounced on a goat pen around 3AM and released nine goats, which they drove away. They were intercepted by alert villagers who foiled the stock theft before they could reach Cingweni area in Mbembesi.

The villagers alerted police who quickly reacted and arrested the suspects and all stolen goats were recovered. Insp Banda advised villagers to protect their livestock through tightening security and branding them.

“We would like to implore community members to maximise security of their livestock for example by forming WhatsApp groups where they can communicate in real time giving information about what will be happening,” he said.

“It is also necessary to have our livestock branded with the owner’s information in the event that there is a recovery. Also in execution of our mandate to curb crime we appeal to the community to continue supporting policing initiatives especially by tipping off,” said Insp Banda.