War veteran's son stoned to death

THE son of prominent war veteran in Matabeleland South, Jabulani Phetshu Sibanda, Mandlenkosi died when he was stoned to death by suspected gold panners.

Witnesses said Mandlenkosi died on Tuesday night at Shangani Business Centre following the attack.

"It was around 11pm on Monday and Mandlenkosi was drinking beer with friends at Farai Munashe Bottle Store when a misunderstanding arose over some tribal issues," said a witness who declined to be named.

The witness said the dispute turned ugly when one of the patrons, who was assaulted by an unknown person, mobilised a gang of people who armed themselves with stones.

Said the witness: "The assaulted person briefly went away and came back with his friends who came to the bar fuming and started throwing stones at everyone.

"Mandlenkosi ran towards the gang. The gang pelted him with stones and one of them hit him on the head. He fell down and died instantly."

Phetshu said he received the news of his son's death at midnight, 30 minutes after the incident.

"Yes my son has died. From my understanding he was beaten to death by people suspected to be gold panners from the Midlands," said Phetshu.

"I received a phone call at 12am informing me about the incident. He died at Shangani Business Centre and his body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem."

Phetshu said his son would be buried today at his home at Plot Number 1, Fountain Farm, Fort Rixon.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Nkosilathi Sibanda confirmed the incident and said the police were investigating the issue.

"I confirm that we are handling a suspected murder case involving Mandlenkosi Sibanda. We have names of three suspects, Simba Mhashu, Patrick Nyawu and Tafadzwa Manyiwa. The three are still at large," said Sgt Sibanda.

"We appeal to members of the public to assist the police with information on the whereabouts of the suspects.

"They can phone Fort Rixon Police Station on 0775 813 639 or visit any nearest station."

It is believed that the three suspects are gold panners in the area and come from Kadzunge area under Chief Samambwa in Gokwe.

Sgt Sibanda urged members of the public to use peaceful means of resolving conflicts than resorting to violence.

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