Harare, (New Ziana) – Fear and grief have gripped the quiet rural community of Madlambuzi in Bulilima district, Matabeleland South province, after a suspected mental patient went on a blood-soaked rampage on Wednesday, killing five people, including a 101-year-old man and a six-year-old girl, while leaving two others fighting for their lives.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the suspect, Phamani Sibanda (43), ran amok, became violent and attacked anyone he came across, leaving a trail of death and devastation.
Armed with a Mopani log, a blunt object and an unidentified sharp weapon, Sibanda allegedly roamed the village striking down unsuspecting residents in an unprovoked spree of violence.
The dead include Elliot Khupe (101) Butho Tshuma (97), Constance Sibanda (66), Catra Matsika (72) and Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu (6), a young girl whose future was cruelly stolen. Two women, aged 90 and 41, were severely injured and are receiving treatment at Madlambuzi Clinic and Plumtree District Hospital.
Police have since apprehended Sibanda, who is believed to suffer from a mental disorder, with Comm Nyathi describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the dangers of untreated mental illness in communities.
“This tragedy could have been prevented. We urge families to immediately refer mental patients to medical institutions and to strictly monitor their treatment and behaviour. Failure to do so endangers lives,” he said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
New Ziana
