Police in Bulawayo are investigating the alleged murder of a 17-year-old boy who was reportedly stabbed to death at Cowdray Park terminus on Saturday.
The deceased identified as Talent Sibanda is said to have bled to death after he was stabbed on the thigh by a suspect who is currently in police custody.
According to sources, the deceased told his mother he was going to collect his shoes at the terminus but he did not return back home.
Sources say the deceased was later heard screaming by a tuck shop close to the terminus.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the incident when sought for comment.
She said the owner of the tuck shop reported the incident when he heard the deceased shouting for help.
“One male was in his tuck-shop selling some fresh chips when he saw the deceased falling down in front of his tuck-shop crying for help. He went outside to see what was happening and found the deceased unconscious and his trousers soaked with blood,” said Chief Insp. Simango.
“ZRP Cowdray Park and CID homicide attended the scene and found the deceased already taken to hospital by well-wishers. There was a pool of blood in front of the tuck-shop and no weapon was found at the scene”.
The police spokesperson said the deceased died upon arrival at Mpilo Hospital.
“The deceased died upon arrival at Mpilo hospital on March 24 at 11 pm. The deceased’s uncle got information about the suspect who killed his relative,” said Chief Insp. Simango.
“The suspect initially chased the deceased’s brother with an okapi knife but failed to catch him, later he was seen walking away from the deceased with a knife.”
She said relatives of the deceased sought after the suspect and handed him over to the police.
“Relatives and friends of the deceased teamed up and proceeded to the suspect’s house. Upon their arrival at the suspect’s house the suspect escaped through an open window,” said Chief Insp. Simango.
“They chased him and managed to apprehend him about 300m away from his house and they took him to the Cowdray Park post.”
Chief Inspector Simango said police conducted a search at the suspect’s house and found blood stained clothes.
“Police officers conducted a search at the suspect’s house and they recovered blood-stained blue jean trousers, a black jacket and a red t-shirt which the suspect was wearing on the day of the murder, washed and hung on the washing line.
“The suspect is detained at ZRP Luveve.”
The police are appealing to the public to resolve disputes peacefully.
“Police are appealing to members of the public to resort to peaceful means of resolving their disputes, seek guidance on how to resolve disputes from community elders, church leaders or visit any nearest police station for assistance and never put the law into their own hands,” said Chief Insp. Simango.
