Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma and Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Writers
YESTERDAY, the world stopped turning for the people of Madlambudzi. The familiar buzz of daily life was replaced by a deafening silence and the sound of shared grief. In a community defined by its close-knit bonds, the loss of five cherished members — four elderly, one a child — has left an unimaginable void. Mourners came from far and wide, their presence proof of the depth of the tragedy, to pay their final respects at a moving funeral service.
The pain was visible on every face as speakers addressed the crowd, their voices trembling with emotion. This wasn’t just a funeral; it was a collective outpouring of sorrow for Elliot Khupe, Butho Tshuma, Constance Sibanda, Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu, and Catra Matsika, whose lives were brutally taken. Their names will be forever whispered with reverence and sorrow in the heart of this community.
One of the injured victims has since been discharged from hospital, while 90-year-old Gogo Mpopoma Ngwenya, whose husband was among the deceased, remains hospitalised at Plumtree District Hospital and was unable to attend the service.
The community continues to reel from the shock of the tragedy, with an eerie silence hanging over the dusty roads and homesteads. Chief mourner at the service, Minister of Industry and Commerce Nqobizitha Ndlovu, stood in for Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe. He urged the Madlambudzi community to remain united in the face of such horror.
Also in attendance were Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Richard Ndlovu, Chief Madlambudzi, Government officials, Zanu-PF Bulilima DCC leadership, and scores of villagers.
In his message, Minister Nguluvhe called on the community to heal and stand together.
“This tragedy must not divide us. Rather, it must unite us. We must stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, as brothers and sisters, determined that never again shall such evil find room among us. Our nation’s Vision 2030, of attaining an empowered and prosperous Zimbabwe, cannot be achieved without unity. Development demands peace. Progress demands co-operation.
No district, no village, no family must be left behind as we march together towards a better Zimbabwe,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said the incident had plunged the entire country into mourning.
“We meet today under a heavy cloud of grief and unspeakable sorrow, as a province, we mourn the tragic and gruesome murder of five innocent souls in Madlambudzi, Bulilima District, on the 20th of August 2025. We come not merely to bury, but to remember, to reflect, and to recommit ourselves to the values of life, peace, and dignity.
On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Government and as the Minister of State for Matabeleland, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We share in your pain, and we carry your sorrow in our hearts.”
He said that the tragedy was a stark reminder of the value of human life.
“A crime so cold-blooded, a loss so profound, that it reminds us of the fragility of human life and the urgent necessity for vigilance in safeguarding peace in our communities. Five precious lives were brutally cut short. Their absence leaves scars not only on their families, but on our entire society. In their passing, we are reminded that violence not only destroys individuals, but also tears the fabric of unity and progress that we are striving to weave together as a people,” said the minister.
Minister Nguluvhe assured mourners that the Government would continue to support the affected families.
“At such a time, the Government of Zimbabwe will not stand idle. His Excellency the President has directed that the affected families be given every support, including psychological assistance. We commit to assisting with funeral expenses, counselling for survivors, and possible material and social support to the families,” he said.
Earlier in Bulawayo, the bodies of the deceased were collected from Doves Funeral Parlour, where dozens of mourners and relatives had gathered. The chapel was filled to capacity, with some family members travelling from abroad to attend the burial. Church leaders from various denominations were present to offer comfort and prayers.
At the chapel, two relatives per deceased were allowed to identify their loved ones before the bodies were loaded into five hearses. The funeral procession then made its way to Madlambudzi. Roman Catholic Church’s St Joseph’s Parish priest, Father Innocent Ndlovu, shared his reflections.
“We believe God allowed this situation to happen for a reason that we do not know but only God knows and, therefore, we have to accept the will of God. We believe the society can assist those that are mentally challenged by making sure that they take their medicine so that we do not have a similar occurrence in the near future. One of our senior priests, Father Pius Dumani, lost a sister and three other relatives in the tragedy,” he said.
Matabeleland South Acting Provincial Director for Local Government, Jusa Zecharia, confirmed that the Civil Protection Unit had provided a State-Assisted Funeral for the bereaved families. He said one of the survivors was recovering well in hospital.
“What we have done now is to dispatch the bodies and family members to Madlambudzi Hall where we will have a send-off ceremony, which will be presided over by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe. After that, the families will collect the bodies of their relatives and conduct burial tomorrow (today),” said Zecharia.
Zecharia also urged the public to be vigilant and proactive in supporting mentally challenged individuals, encouraging families to seek medical help on their behalf.
