A Bulawayo man has been arrested for the murder of his five-months pregnant girlfriend over a case of suspected infidelity.
Clear Sibanda (26) of
Imakhandini had an argument with his girlfriend, Nothabo Ncube (26). Cowdray Park, over a man identified only as Gift, whom Ncube was constantly contacting.
Bulawayo police spokesman Inspector Abedneko Ncube said Sibanda asked Ncube who the man was and she admitted that Gift was her boyfriend and that he was responsible for the pregnancy.
Inspector Ncube said that in the midst of the fight, Sibanda allegedly picked up a metal bar that was behind the door and hit Ncube on the head and she died instantly.
“Police have arrested Obvious Philani Sibanda, a 26-year-old adult male from Emakhandini, Bulawayo, in connection with a murder case. The accused and the now deceased who was five months pregnant were in a relationship and worked at the same company,” Insp Ncube said.
“On 5th February 2024, at about 1700 hours, Sibanda and Ncube got off duty and went to the accused’s residence. Upon her arrival at about 1800 hours, the accused allegedly asked the now deceased for the contact number of a frequent caller on her cell phone called Gift. Ncube told Sibanda that Gift was her boyfriend and was responsible for the pregnancy, according to the defendants’ allegations.
Insp Ncube said Sibanda got angry and took a metal bar that was behind the door and hit Ncube once on the head and she fell and lost consciousness.
“Sibanda continued to hit her several times with the same stick and Ncube died instantly. After realizing that Ncube was no longer showing any signs of life, Sibanda called his parents and informed them of what had happened. On the same day at around 2030 hours, Sibanda approached the police and surrendered himself.
Insp Ncube said Ncube’s body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for an autopsy.
He urged members of the public to desist from resorting to violence when faced with problems but should seek counselling.
“We as police urge members of the public to resolve their issues amicably instead of using violence as this leads to unnecessary loss of life. The life of such a young woman was lost in an incident that could have been avoided if both parties had sought help in resolving their issue.”
“As a way to reduce gender-based violence, we encourage members of the public to use dialogue instead of violence and seek advice from third parties such as Imthongini Women’s Forum, MUSSA, liaison and church members or trusted elders as well as the police.” Site