Bulawayo Polytechnic Student Killed After Identifying Robber During An Attack

A 23-year-old student, Inobubele Mhlanga, lost her life on the evening of November 4 after identifying a robber. The young woman, who was studying at Bulawayo Polytechnic, was fatally attacked by two individuals following a mugging incident.

Details of the Fatal Attack

On Monday evening, Mhlanga disembarked from a commuter bus near the TM turnoff bus stop in Cowdray Park when she was confronted by two men—identified as Thamsanqa Ndebele (26) and Euton Sebatha (36)—in what began as a robbery attempt. Mhlanga recognized Ndebele, who was from her neighbourhood, which led her to identify him during the encounter. Tragically, this identification escalated the attack.

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Student stabbed after identifying robber — Student killed after identifying robber(Image Credit: iStock)

According to Inspector Abednico Ncube, Bulawayo’s provincial police spokesperson, passersby later discovered Mhlanga near the bus stop, lying in a pool of blood. The attack had left her with a severe stab wound above her right breast, along with numerous cuts on her hands, indicating defensive injuries.

Efforts to Save Her Life and the Investigation That Followed

A good Samaritan quickly responded, rushing Mhlanga to Mpilo Central Hospital. Despite the immediate medical assistance, she succumbed to her injuries shortly afterward.

The following morning, the police apprehended Playmore Mpofu (27), another resident of Cowdray Park known for previous robbery activities. During questioning, Mpofu admitted to being involved in several robberies in the area and disclosed that he had collaborated with Ndebele and Sebatha in these incidents.

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Arrests Made and the Suspects’ Confessions

With Mpofu’s information, authorities were able to locate and arrest Ndebele and Sebatha. Inspector Ncube confirmed that Ndebele admitted to the robbery, including stealing Mhlanga’s handbag, which contained approximately US$30. Further investigation revealed that Sebatha had inflicted the fatal stab wound, fearing identification by Mhlanga due to their shared neighbourhood connection.