Police arrest suspects in Cowdray Park killing: Poly student was killed because she recognised one of her assailants

TWO men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 23-year-old female Bulawayo Polytechnic student, who was knifed to death on Monday evening in a suspected case of robbery that occurred in the evening while on her way home in Cowdray Park.
Bulawayo province police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the arrest of Thamsanqa Ndebele (26) and Euton Sebatha (36) from Cowdray Park.
Insp Ncube said they are the prime suspects in the murder of the late Inobubele Mhlanga.
“On the 4th of November 2024 at around 2030 hours, the now deceased was found by a passerby lying in a pool of blood near TM turnoff bus stop, Cowdray Park, Bulawayo. She had a penetrative wound above the right breast and several cuts on both hands. The now deceased was ferried to Mpilo Hospital by a well-wisher. She passed on whilst she was still being attended to by a doctor,” said Insp Ncube.
He said Mhlanga’s body was conveyed to Mpilo Hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem.
Insp Ncube said on 5 November police, while carrying out their investigations rounded up all known robbery suspects, who include one Playmore Mpofu, who was detained for another case of robbery.
It was during interrogation that he implicated Ndebele and Sebatha, whom he alleged to commit crimes in the suburb with.
“A follow-up through the help of members of the public was done leading to the arrest of the duo in the Cowdray Park area. Ndebele was interviewed and he admitted to having attacked the now deceased at TM turnoff, Cowdray Park, Bulawayo and took away her handbag containing cash amounting to US$30 with the help of Sebatha,” said Insp Ncube.
“He further stated that Sebatha stabbed the now deceased because she had identified him since they reside in the same area and they knew each other,” said Insp Ncube.
He noted that the knife that Sebatha used to stab Mhlanga was also recovered and stored as an exhibit.
“Police appreciate the active participation of the community in aiding investigations. An innocent life was lost because of sheer greed from people who knew the deceased. Public members are urged to revive the neighbourhood watch committees not only for the purposes of patrols but also to foster unity, peace, and love among themselves. The arrest of the two may assist relatives to find closure,” Insp Ncube said.