Tragedy as bullet meant for bull during slaughter kills villager

Sikhumbuzo Moyo

A Gwanda man has been arrested on a murder charge after he allegedly shot and killed a fellow villager while attempting to slaughter a beast at Lushongwe Business Centre on Saturday.

Police confirmed the arrest of Dumisani Nyathi (61) in connection with the fatal shooting of Butholezwe Sibanda (47).

Stanford Mguni, the Matabeleland South police spokesperson, said Nyathi had sold his beast to a villager and they drove it to Lushongwe Business Centre for direct slaughter.

“While at the slaughter point, the bull broke its chains and charged towards the accused and Sibanda, who was among villagers gathered there,” he said.

Mguni said Nyathi, who had a short-gun rifle in his possession, fired a shot at the bull but missed, with the bullet instead striking Sibanda.

“Sibanda died on the spot. The matter was reported to the police and investigations are ongoing,” he said.