SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MABOLENI – An intense rival over an alleged love affair has resulted in a brutal murder of a 66 -year -old man who was savagely attacked with machetes and knives by a gang of nine men.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident which occurred in Village Butete under Chief Bunina in Lower Gweru on March 8, 2025 at around 11PM.
“A group of nine men are being investigated for a case of murder which occurred at Butete Village under Chief Bunina in Lower Gweru.
“This follows the death of a man whom they alleged to have savagely assaulted using knives and machetes after they intercepted him walking to his home,” he said
According to Mahoko, the now deceased, Bornface Nkomazana (66) was intercepted on his way home from Lower Gweru Business Centre. He was ambushed in an open space behind Maboleni Police Station and mercilessly assaulted by the gang, believed to be from Matshina Village in Mambanjeni.
Lovemore Sibanda, a local villager, the next morning stumbled upon a horrifying scene where Nkomazana was lying in a pool of blood, barely clinging to life.
Police who attended the scene found him with a broken right leg, a bone protruding from the ankle. Despite efforts to rush him to Gweru Provincial Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries along the way.
Makoko said three suspects, Thabani Ncube (19), Confidence Sibanda (20), and Mthulisi Ndebele (23), all from Jali Village have since been arrested in connection with the murder case.
Mahoko said investigations suggest the attack stemmed from a longstanding grudge between youths from Butete and Mambanjeni over women allegedly involved in relationships with men from both villages.
Other reports indicate that the gang went on a rampage that night, attacking multiple villagers in the area.
At least three other assault cases have been reported to Maboleni Police Station.
He appealed to members of the public to assist in locating the remaining six suspects.
“We appeal to members of the public for help in our investigation to establish the whereabouts of Thulisani Ndlovu, Takana Ndlovu, Denis Ndlovu, Peter, Sean, and Nqabutho,” he said
