Online Reporter
Bongani Moyo
A long-running and unresolved murder case involving the parents of Lisani Nleya has taken a dramatic new turn, with police reportedly seeking one of the case’s key witnesses, Zamani Mpofu, as a suspect rather than as a witness.
Mpofu, who was an eyewitness in the 2020 Empandeni case, is said to have fled Zimbabwe for South Africa after allegedly receiving repeated threats and surviving attacks that raised fears for his life.
According to information obtained by this publication, Mpofu’s home was allegedly set alight by individuals linked to Nleya, who reportedly feared that he would testify about the events surrounding the case. Nleya, who is reportedly believed to have mental health challenges, is the main suspect in the matter.
Despite Mpofu having left the country, his family allegedly continued to face intimidation and attacks. In 2025, members of the Nleya family allegedly attacked Mpofu’s mother, Lahliwe Tshuma, in what relatives described as another attempt to intimidate the family.
The latest development has, however, dramatically changed Mpofu’s position in the case.
Court documents seen by this newspaper indicate that police are now seeking Mpofu in connection with allegations that he undermined the sovereignty of Zimbabwe while abroad. The allegations reportedly relate to comments he made criticising the police’s handling of the Nleya case.
Mpofu is reportedly being charged under Zimbabwe’s 2023 Patriotic Act. If convicted of the alleged offence, he could face a severe sentence, potentially including life imprisonment or, depending on the specific charge and applicable provisions of the law, the death penalty.
The circumstances surrounding the charges have raised questions within the Empandeni community, particularly because Mpofu and his family had previously portrayed themselves as victims of threats and intimidation connected to the unresolved murder case.
Community members have expressed shock at the apparent reversal of Mpofu’s position—from an individual who was expected to assist investigators as a witness to someone now being pursued as an alleged offender.
The developments have also renewed concerns about the police handling of the original murder investigation, including the allegations of threats and attacks against witnesses and their families.
However, the allegations against Mpofu, Nleya and their associates have not been independently proven in court. Police and prosecutors have yet to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the new charges against Mpofu or why his status has changed from that of a witness to a suspect.
The Empandeni murder case remains unresolved.
