Zim GBC News | Crimes and Courts
BULAWAYO – Police have arrested three men in connection with the murder of a 25-year-old artisanal miner during a violent clash over gold ore on the outskirts of Bulawayo last year.
In a statement released on Tuesday, police confirmed the arrest of Thembalami Sibanda (26) of Pumula North, Derick Mkhandla (24) of Lobengula West, and Nqobani Mathuthuka (31) of Nkulumane. They are accused of murdering Ngalwenhle Maseko (25) of Mahatshula South.
According to police, the incident occurred on May 1, 2025, at around 8:30 PM. Two teams of artisanal miners—one group including the now-deceased and the other comprising the accused persons—arrived at a mine on the outskirts of Bulawayo to process their gold ore.
Armed with machetes and axes, the two teams became embroiled in a misunderstanding over the ore. The argument quickly degenerated into a violent fight.
“In the process, the accused persons struck the now deceased with an axe on the head and he died on the spot,” read the statement from police.
“The accused persons fled after the act.”
For nearly ten months, the suspects evaded justice.
However, their luck ran out on February 14, 2026, at around 11:30 PM.
Police revealed that they received information regarding the whereabouts of Sibanda, who was said to be responsible for the murder. Acting on the tip-off, officers arrested him at a city hotel. Sibanda then implicated the other accused persons during questioning.
Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the Bulawayo Provincial Press and Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests and praised the public for their assistance.
“We appreciate members of the public for supplying information that led to the arrest of the accused persons.”
Police have also issued a warning to criminals still at large, including Mzwandile Moyo, who remains a fugitive.
“We also warn criminals that no matter how far you run away after committing crimes, the long arm of the law will catch up with you and police will not rest until all accused persons are brought to justice,” Inspector Msebele added.
The three accused persons are expected to appear in court soon facing murder charges.
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