Nkayi – A wave of fear and shock has swept through the community of Nkayi in Matebeleland North province following the gruesome discovery of a man’s body, decapitated and tied with wire, in a suspected ritual killing.
The victim, identified as Sipho Mbulani, 55, was found lifeless behind a bedroom hut at Nqakala Village on August 9th, 2024. His torso was the only part of his body left at the scene, with his head missing.
Police, confirming the chilling incident, have launched an urgent investigation into the suspected ritual murder.
“Police in Mbembesi are appealing for information which may assist in the investigation of a murder case in which Sipho Mbulani (55) was found dead behind a bedroom hut at Nqakala Village on August 9, 2024. The head was missing, and feet were tied with a wire,” stated Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson.
This horrific incident echoes the growing concern over ritual killings in Zimbabwe, with authorities struggling to curb the practice. The gruesome nature of the crime, with the victim’s head severed and his feet bound, points to a ritualistic motive.
The Nqakala Village in Nkayi is gripped by fear, with villagers expressing concern about the safety and security of their loved ones. The lack of the victim’s head, a common element in ritualistic killings, has further fueled anxiety and speculation.
While the police are investigating this horrific incident, another case of suspected murder is also being investigated in Chegutu, Mashonaland West province.
Kelvin Phiri, 23, was found dead in a disused mine shaft at Village 5, Stewatonia, Chingondo on August 8th, 2024. The circumstances surrounding Phiri’s death are still unclear, but the police are treating it as a suspected murder case.
The ZRP is appealing to anyone with information that might lead to the arrest of suspects in both cases to come forward and report to their nearest police station.
