Two separate murder investigations are underway in Matabeleland South province following violent incidents on October 3rd, 2024, highlighting escalating tensions within communities. One case involves a fatal assault stemming from a dispute over a woman, while the other resulted from a disagreement over a small sum of money.
The first incident occurred at Forest H60 Mine in Coleen Bawn. Mlamuleli Mangena was fatally assaulted during a confrontation with a group of men. Police confirmed they are investigating the murder.
“Police in Coleen Bawn are investigating a case of murder which occurred on October 3, 2024, at Forest H60 Mine in which Mlamuleli Mangena died. The suspects, only identified as Trinity, Benito, and Mashelly, along with three other unknown individuals, struck Mlamuleli Mangena with a sharp object on the head after an argument over a girlfriend,” said police in a statement.
The attack was not limited to Mangena. Another man, Tinashe Chirenje (30), was also seriously injured during the altercation, sustaining injuries from a machete and an axe. The extent of Chirenje’s injuries remains unclear, but police are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of the three remaining suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact their nearest police station.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Filabusi, a 21-year-old man, Trymore Mangena, has been arrested in connection with the murder of 47-year-old Nkulumo Sibanda.
Sibanda died after being stabbed in the chest with a Columbian knife during a dispute over US$3 at Siyaphambili Village. The arrest follows a swift response by Filabusi law enforcement, demonstrating their commitment to addressing violent crime within their jurisdiction.
The two incidents, occurring on the same day in different parts of Matabeleland South, underscore the urgent need for conflict resolution strategies within communities. The seemingly trivial nature of the disputes – a romantic rivalry and a disagreement over a small amount of money – highlights the potential for seemingly minor conflicts to escalate into deadly violence.
The police investigation into the Coleen Bawn murder is focusing on apprehending the three outstanding suspects. The identification of Trinity, Benito, and Mashelly as suspects suggests a degree of familiarity with the individuals involved, potentially providing valuable leads for investigators. The use of weapons such as machetes, axes, and a Columbian knife in both incidents indicates a level of premeditation or at least a readiness to resort to extreme violence.
The arrest of Trymore Mangena in the Filabusi case provides a measure of closure for the victim’s family and the community. However, the investigation is ongoing, and the police are actively pursuing any further leads that might emerge. The relative ease with which a Columbian knife was used in the Filabusi incident raises concerns about the accessibility of such weapons within the community.
