POLICE in Plumtree have arrested a 43-year-old mentally challenged man from Madlambuzi, who went berserk killing five people and seriously injuring two others.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday, and identified the suspect as Phamani Sibanda.
He said the suspect attacked seven people with a log, a blunt object and an unknown sharp object as he moved around the village.
“He was targeting anyone who he was coming across. Subsequently, five people died on the spot while two others were injured,” said Nyathi.
“The five victims were identified by their next of kin as Elliot Khupe (101), a male adult, Butho Tshuma (97), a female adult, Constance Sibanda (66), a female adult, Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu (six), female juvenile and Catra Matsika (72), all from Madlambuzi.”
He said the two injured victims, all women, aged 90 and 41 were admitted at Madlambuzi Clinic and Plumtree District Hospital.
“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,” said Nyathi.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland South senator Solani Moyo expressed concern over the sad development and called upon the government to intensify its efforts in dealing with such cases.
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“This man is a known mentally challenged person,” Moyo said.
“The hospital should not have left him roaming around freely.
“He ended up being naked, showing that he has been in this long time and has been reported to the responsible authorities.”
