The five people who were killed after a mentally-challenged person went on a violent spree are set to receive a state-assisted funeral this Saturday. The alleged perpetrator, a 43-year-old local man, is now in police custody after a violent spree that has left the entire region in a state of profound shock and mourning.
According to police reports, the suspect, Phamani Sibanda, allegedly used a log and other weapons to assault seven individuals at random. The victims ranged from a six-year-old child to a 101-year-old elder, their lives brutally cut short. Senator Solani Moyo, representing Matabeleland South, expressed the collective trauma, stating,
“The community was still in shock.” He further criticised the official response, alleging, “Police did not react on time after they were alerted about the brutal attacks.”
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Five People Killed By A Mentally-Challenged Person To Receive State-Assisted Funeral
The scale of the tragedy has prompted the government to step in and assist with the burial arrangements. Chief Madlambuzi confirmed the details, noting,
“Doves’ funeral parlour will assist in the burial of the victims. We will sit down as a community, including those affected by this incident, together with the family of the accused person and try to find peace and closure.”
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, released the names of those who lost their lives, painting a heartbreaking picture of the attack’s indiscriminate nature. The deceased are Elliot Khupe (101), Butho Tshuma (97), Constance Sibanda (66), Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu (6), and Catra Matsika (72). Two women, aged 90 and 41, survived the assault and were admitted to medical facilities for treatment.
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In the wake of the incident, the police force has issued a stern warning to families nationwide. Commissioner Nyathi emphasised the critical need for care and monitoring, stating,
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to refer mental patients to medical institutions for treatment quickly and to monitor their medical process and general behaviour to curb violent tendencies.”
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