Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
POLICE in Bulawayo have expressed concern over a surge in false and alarmist social media posts alleging the resurgence of machete-wielding gangs terrorising residents across the city’s suburbs.
This follows a spate of viral audio messages that have sparked widespread fear and anxiety. Police have described the claims as not only misleading but also criminal.
Speaking to journalists at Luveve Police Station on Wednesday, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said that while the city had previously dealt with incidents involving machete gangs, law enforcement had since made significant arrests, dismantling several of the syndicates behind the crimes.
“We are concerned about these alarmist social media messages that have caused unnecessary fear and anxiety among residents. The city is not under siege from machete gangs as claimed. In fact, we have arrested three such gangs in recent weeks, clearing over 20 criminal cases as a result,” said Insp Msebele.
She cited a recent incident in Cowdray Park that was misrepresented online as a violent clash between machete gangs and armed police, when in reality it was a case of domestic violence.
“In Cowdray Park, an audio message circulated in which an unidentified woman claimed there were running battles involving machete gangs and police. However, our investigations revealed it was a domestic dispute involving individuals searching for a woman,” she said.
Two suspects from the incident — Ngwadzai Munatsi (25) of New Lobengula and Hawulethu Ncube (29) of Njube —are currently in custody. Their alleged accomplices, Maxwell Ndlovu of Pumula, Andile Dlamini alias Hlomo Tutu, and three unidentified suspects remain at large.
The incident occurred on Monday when the suspects allegedly arrived at a Cowdray Park residence in an unregistered blue Nissan UD truck, looking for Munatsi’s estranged wife, known only as NaHappy. When told her whereabouts were unknown, the suspects became aggressive.
“They damaged a 200-Watt solar panel and broke four window panes before the resident called the police. Officers responded swiftly and found the suspects still at the scene. A confrontation ensued, and the suspects fled while threatening officers with stones. Police had to fire warning shots to disperse them,” said Insp Msebele.
The following morning, Munatsi and Ncube surrendered to the police. Investigations revealed that the vehicle used belonged to Munatsi, who was also the driver.
Speaking from the holding cells, Munatsi denied being part of a machete gang, claiming he was simply trying to locate his wife, who had disappeared with US$2 000.
Insp Msebele condemned the viral audio for mischaracterising the incident and expressed concern over how quickly misinformation spreads. She also highlighted three other recent hoaxes that went viral.
“One claimed machete gangs had been spotted near Basic Supermarket in Lobengula, another said the group was seen at the Parklands pits, while a third claimed a Nust student had been attacked on her way to lectures,” she said.
In all cases, police investigations confirmed the allegations were false.
“The Lobengula message was posted by someone named Banda, who mistook a group of workers crossing the road for a gang. These messages cause unwarranted panic,” said Insp Msebele.
She urged residents to verify facts and report suspicious activity directly to the police rather than rushing to post on social media, which can also compromise investigations by tipping off suspects.
“Let’s work together to keep our communities safe. False alarms divert police resources and create fear where there is none,” she said.
