Police in Matabeleland North have arrested a man from Inyathi for murder after he allegedly fatally assaulted a fellow villager over a girlfriend.
An accomplice is still on the run and police are keen on locating him for the same crime of murder.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said Mthokozisi Sibanda (23) of Famona in Inyathi, and his accomplice Nduna Ndlovu allegedly committed the crime last Friday.
“We confirm the arrest of Mthokozisi Sibanda in connection with a murder case in which Thabani Mhlanga (40) succumbed to injuries inflicted on him by the suspect on the 17th day of June 2022 in Famona, Inyathi,” said the police spokesperson.
He said on the fateful day at around 9pm, Mhlanga left Famona Business Centre in the company of his girlfriend Sidanisile Sibanda (37), Nduna Ndlovu and Mthokozisi Sibanda (23) all of Famona village going to their respective homesteads.
Along the way, a misunderstanding arose between Mhlanga and Ndlovu who claimed Mhlanga had snatched his girlfriend Sidanisile Sibanda from him.
The suspect joined the argument and he and Ndlovu allegedly assaulted Mhlanga while choking him.
Mhlanga allegedly collapsed and became unconscious.
Insp Banda said the two suspects and Sidanilsile Sibanda left the scene leaving him lying unconscious on the ground.
Some passersby found Mhlanga’s lifeless body the following day in a bush 30 metres from the scene of the fight.
Insp Banda said police observed some bruises around Mhlanga’s neck and two cuts on the head.
The body of the deceased was taken to Inyathi District Hospital awaiting post-mortem.
Sibanda was arrested and is helping police with investigations waiting to be taken to court for murder.
Nduna is still at large and Insp Banda appealed to members of the public who may have information about his whereabouts to inform the nearest police station.
He also urged members of the public to desist from using violence as a way of resolving disputes.
