Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo-Midlands Bureau
A MAN was fatally stabbed while a woman was allegedly raped and assaulted during a violent attack at Langton Farm in Silobela last November, with police now appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of eight suspects believed to have been involved in the case.
In a statement yesterday, Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the suspects were being sought in connection with the murder of Lungisani Sibanda (25) and the alleged rape and assault of a 26-year-old woman on the same night.
The suspects have been identified as Magugu Phiri, Norman Phiri, Vusa Mpofu, Richard Manyathela, Evans Nkomo, Khumbulani Mkandla, Dominic Makhosi Senziwani Maseko and a man only known as Samadhau.
They are all from Village 6B, Langton Farm, under Chief Sigodo in Silobela.
Insp Mahoko said the suspects, who were allegedly acting as a group and armed with machetes, knives, sjamboks, iron bars, wooden sticks and other weapons, attacked a homestead at Village 6A, Langton Farm.
“During the attack, Lungisani Sibanda sustained multiple stab wounds and later succumbed to the injuries,” Insp Mahoko said.
He said the suspects remained at large despite efforts to locate them.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is, therefore, appealing to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the above-mentioned suspects to report at any nearest Police Station,” he said.
Insp Mahoko warned that the suspects should be approached with caution as they may be dangerous, adding that any information received would be treated with the strictest confidence.
Police have encouraged members of the public not to take the law into their own hands, but to assist law enforcement agencies with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
