Centenarian Among Five Brutally Killed in Madlambuzi Tragedy
n By Delicious Mathuthu n nn n Matabeleland, Zimbabwe - A suspect believed to be a mental patient has been arrested following a horrific attack that claimed the lives of four senior villagers and a child in Madlambuzi, Matabeleland South Pr
anostrofy By Delicious Mathuthu
Matabeleland, Zimbabwe - A suspect believed to be a mental patient has been arrested following a horrific attack that claimed the lives of four senior villagers and a child in Madlambuzi, Matabeleland South Province, on Wednesday August 20, 2025.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) identified the suspect as Phamani Sibanda, a 43-year-old man, who is now facing charges in connection with the brutal murders.
Two more female victims, aged 90 and 41, were injured and taken to Madlambuzi Clinic and Plumtree District Hospital for treatment.
Of concern are the ages of the deceased, which include a 101-year-old man, a six-year-old child and others in their 60s and 90s.
ZRP National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the tragic incident saying the suspect used a log, blunt and sharp objects to assault the elderly victims.
"The suspect ran amok, became violent and attacked seven people with a Mopani log, a blunt object and an unknown sharp object while moving aggressively around the village.
"He was targeting anyone whom he was coming across with," he said.
The deceased who died on the spot were identified as Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu, a six-year-old female juvenile and Elliot Khupe, the 101-year-old male adult.
The other victims who died are identified as Butho Tshuma (97), Constance Sibanda (66) and Catra Matsika (72).
Following the murders, Commissioner Nyathi said public vigilance and care for those with mental illness is essential to prevent such tragedies.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to quickly refer mental patients to medical institutions for treatment and to monitor their medical process and general behaviour in order to curb violent tendencies," he said.
