Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE burial of five people who were brutally killed by a person living with a mental challenge in a violent rampage in Plumtree, Matabeleland South, has been set for tomorrow.
The funeral, scheduled to take place in Madlambuzi village, will be accorded government assistance.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday last week.
The accused, Phamani Sibanda (43), allegedly went berserk and attacked seven people with a log, a blunt object and a sharp weapon in Bellas and Central villages.
Police said he struck seven people at random, killing five on the spot.
Chief Madlambuzi confirmed that burial will take place on Saturday.
“Doves’ funeral parlour will assist in the burial of the victims,” he said.
“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.”
Sibanda is currently in police custody.
Matabeleland South senator Solani Moyo said the community was still in shock.
“Police did not react on time after they were alerted about the brutal attacks,” he said.
“He killed the last person at Madlambuzi Dam. Villagers went to look for him and found him preparing his food after changing his clothes.
“It is painful that he killed innocent people, including the elderly…”
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified the victims as Elliot Khupe (101), Butho Tshuma (97), Constance Sibanda (66), Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu (6) and Catra Matsika (72), all from Madlambuzi.”
He said the two injured victims, both women, aged 90 and 41, were admitted to Madlambuzi Clinic and Plumtree District Hospital, respectively.
Police urged families to take great care in monitoring individuals with mental health conditions.
“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 to curb violent tendencies,” Nyathi added.
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