Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
IN a heart-wrenching incident, a man believed to be mentally challenged went on a murder spree on Wednesday afternoon in Bhelasi area, Madlambuzi village in Bulilima district and allegedly killed five villagers, including three from one family.
The man is said to have started his murder crusade just after midday after he stormed an elderly couple’s homestead and viciously attacking them with logs, killing the husband instantly while the wife was left in a coma.
According to Ward 11 councillor, Siphosenkosi Moyo, after the gruesome attack, the man left the homestead and headed for the next homestead where he left three family members, all female and including a 15-year-old girl, dead.
two elderly women were a mother and her daughter, while the 15-year-old girl was a niece to the slain mother.
Cllr Moyo said a teenage boy managed to escape after outpacing the man.
“After being outpaced by the boy, this man whom we believe is mentally challenged went to the nearest community dam where he found a woman doing her laundry. He pummeled her to death right there. This incident has left all of us here extremely shocked and saddened,” said Cllr Moyo.
He said when news of the gruesome killings broke out, villagers and the police launched a manhunt for the assailant who was apprehended a few hours later.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Chiratidzo Dube could not confirm nor deny the tragic turn of events, referring questions to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi whose mobile number has not been reachable.
derick.khumalo