Edwin Moyo
Silobela-A man lost his life during a soccer match in Silobela as violence reared its ugly head.
The fatal violent incident occurred in Village Matsikidze under Chief Gobo, in Silobela as one man was killed while the other is battling for his life after being during soccer match.
The fight, involving a group of eight men armed with axes and machetes, occurred at around 8pm on August 4 2024.
Circumstances are that, a dispute ensured following a soccer tournament which was held earlier that day at Gobo Business Centre. The event which attracted a large crowd however, prematurely ended at around 3pm due to a scuffle and pitch invasion by some supporters.
Among the supporters were eight men from Donsa area, who after being overpowered by villagers from Gobo during the game went away and came back armed with axes and machetes later in the evening
The group stormed Matsikidze Village and started assaulting residents. They proceeded to attack Samson Paradza, (59), and Samuel Shoko, (49) with axes and machetes.
Villagers however, managed to apprehend one of the assailants, Mbekezela Lunga, who was later on handed over to the police.
Paradza and Shoko were rushed to Silobela District Hospital where Paradza was pronounced dead on arrival while the other victim remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Meanwhile, Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the incident.
“In response to the attack, Zimbabwe Republic Police officers have arrested four suspects: Mkhululi Ndlovu (24), Lungile Nyoni (25), Gazimulo Ndlondlo (18), and Mthabisi Moyo (24), all from Village Sitemba, Chief Malisa. They are currently in custody as investigations continue.
“We are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining three suspects who are still at large: The three are ,Thobile Nyoni (23) and Butholezwe Ncube (25) from Village Sitemba, and Thikiza Nyoni (26) from Village Donsa 1, Chief Malisa.” Mahoko said.
