AN illegal fuel dealer based at Cross Dete, Hwange, was on Sunday found dead along a footpath, with his body heavily bruised. Villagers identified the deceased as Clever Sibanda and said they suspected he could have been robbed and murdered before his body was dumped along the roadside.
BY Tinashe Mungazi
Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Spiwe Makonese confirmed the incident yesterday.
“I can confirm that on September 16, villagers found the body of Clever Sibanda lying by a footpath. We are, however, treating the case as a suspected murder, as investigations are still underway. We understand that on September 15 at around 9pm, the now- deceased borrowed a cellphone from a friend, who is a vendor at Cross Dete to use for lighting intending to sell diesel. He left and never came back,” she said.
Makonese said Sibanda’s body was taken to Hwange Colliery Hospital, before it was referred to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem.
The body had injuries on the face and bruises on the legs, while blood was coming out from the mouth, nose and ears, indicating that there was violence, leading to his death.
Local councillor, Cosmas Mwakiposa, said the incident had left the entire community shocked.
“People in my area are very shaken over the murder and issues to do with security and safety are beginning to be discussed as fear grows. From my observation the deceased, who was a well-known fuel dealer was attacked by assailants, who wanted to rob him of his money, probably people he knew. It’s not clear how much he might have been carrying since he was with motorists and transport operators. We hope that the police will arrest the culprits quickly to dispel safety fears and anxiety,” he said.
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Cross Dete has of late experienced a spike in robberies, assaults and murders.
Earlier this year, two gun-totting youth went on a rampage robbing shops and individuals of cash and cellphones before they were apprehended in Victoria Falls.
