Tinotenda Hove -Madlambuzi, Matabeleland South, was turned into a scene of horror when a 43-year-old man went on a violent rampage, killing five people — including a centenarian and a six-year-old girl — and injuring two others.

According to police, the suspect, identified as Phamani Sibanda, was armed with a Mopani log, a blunt object, and an unidentified sharp weapon. Witnesses say he roamed through the village “attacking anyone he came across.”

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, describing it as “a shocking act of violence.” “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a suspected mental patient, Phamani Sibanda (43), in connection with the murder of five people and the attempted murder of two complainants, which occurred on 20 August 2025 in Madlambuzi, Matabeleland South Province,” he said.

Comm Nyathi added: “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 he came across. Subsequently, five people died on the spot while two others were injured.”

The victims were named as Elliot Khupe (101), Butho Tshuma (97), Constance Sibanda (66), Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu (6), and Catra Matsika (72). The two survivors — a 90-year-old woman and a 41-year-old woman — were rushed to Madlambuzi Clinic and later transferred to Plumtree District Hospital for treatment.

Comm Nyathi urged the public to take mental health issues seriously. “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. “The public should alert the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800197, or report at any nearest police station.”