Mat South police arrest murder suspect

POLICE in Matabeleland South have arrested one man and launched a manhunt for others following the horrific murder of a farm worker in Mwenezi district. The farm worker, identified as Clement Zhou (52), is from Masvayamando homestead under Chief Mazepese.

Zhou is said to have reported for work at Nottingham Estate on the border between Matabeleland South and Masvingo Province. The incident happened on 15 February at 6am.

He reportedly discovered that he had forgotten his clock-in card at home and went back to collect it. That was the last time he was seen alive.

A workmate later found him dead at his home, with blood flowing from a deep gash on his head.

Confirming the incident yesterday, the acting police spokesperson for Matabeleland South Province, Sergeant Loveness Mangena, said a suspect was already in custody and was helping police with their investigations.

"The man allegedly told the storesman at Nottingham Estate that he was going back home to get his clock-in card. He did not return. His partner at work, Mr Lwazi Tshuma, worked alone that day," said Sgt Mangena.

She said Mr Tshuma went to look for Zhou at his home when he knocked off in the evening.

"He allegedly knocked on the door and called out, but got no response. He then opened the door and found Zhou lying on the floor in a pool of blood," said Sgt Mangena.

She said Mr Tshuma notified a senior security officer at the farm, who made a report to the police.

She said Zhou's body was taken to the Beitbridge District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.

"The motive of the murder is yet to be established. However, police have arrested a suspect who is assisting with investigations," said Sgt Mangena.

She said the police dragnet was closing in on other suspects.

Sgt Mangena urged people from the province to continue working with the police to reduce crime.

"We are grateful for the assistance that we get from members of the public. The information that they supply often helps us to solve crimes, thereby making the province more peaceful," said Sgt Mangena.

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