MURDER, RAPE AT CEMETERY

Plaxcedes Hove Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO police have launched a major investigation after a man was stabbed to death in a savage attack near a cemetery which left his friend hospitalised.A female they were walking with was gang-raped by the unknown attackers who are still at large.

Police have responded to Thursday night’s murder by intensifying stop-and-search operations and arresting anyone found with a dangerous weapon, including knives.

The dead man has been named as Mfundisi Makhalima, 23.

Investigators say Makhalima left home in Pelandaba at about 8PM on Thursday and went to drink beer at Marisha Cocktail Bar with a friend.

They left the bar with an unnamed woman later that night.

But police say Makhalima picked up an argument with his friend over the woman as an unidentified vehicle approached.

“The vehicle stopped and the occupants called the woman into the car and she complied,” a police source told Chronicle. Makhalima and his friend, according to the source, started hurling insults at the occupants of the car for taking the woman. Several men emerged from the vehicle and stabbed Makhalima and his friend.

Makhalima collapsed and died on the spot. His friend, who was bleeding profusely, sought help and was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital by a passing motorist who found him semi-conscious by the roadside.

The woman was driven to a secluded spot near Luveve and gang-raped, leaving her for dead. She called the police when she regained consciousness.

Makhalima’s body was found near Hyde Park Cemetery in Pelandaba suburb with stab wounds to the neck and chest shortly after 5AM yesterday.

A Chronicle news crew visited the scene of the murder and witnesses said the body was found by residents who were coming from church.
His brother, Teddy Makhalima, said he had last seen him at their aunt’s home in Pelandaba.

Makhalima’s aunt, Venita Hlabangana, said they had supper together at her home hours before the murder and he went out around 8PM.

“My nephew went out to Marisha beer hall after we had our supper and from there no-one seems to know what happened to him,” she said.

A police officer who was at the scene dismissed robbery as a motive for the killing.

“This can’t be robbery because his cellphone, wallet and all his possessions are all here. It seems there was a misunderstanding between him and his murderers which led to his death,” he said.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said a major investigation was underway.

“As police, we urge residents to join us in resuscitating the once vibrant neighbourhood watch committees to combat crime. We’re also intensifying stop-and-search operations due to an increase in murder cases,” Inspector Moyo said.

He discouraged residents from walking along secluded spots, especially at night.

Insp Moyo said it was safer for people to walk in groups to deter attacks from criminals.

“We also appeal to anyone who might have information that might lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact their nearest police station.
“They can also call the toll free Number 110 if they are using NetOne, put the information in a police suggestion box or call the Bulawayo police hotline (09) 885479.”