Mental Patient Kills Five, Injures Two in Brutal Village Attack
By Loyd Matare
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested a 43-year-old man, Phamani Sibanda, believed to be mentally unstable, in connection with a gruesome killing spree that left five villagers dead and two others injured in Madlambuzi, Matabeleland South, on August 20, 2025.
According to police, Sibanda allegedly ran amok, attacking seven people with a Mopani log, a blunt object, and an unknown sharp weapon, striking anyone he encountered in a violent rampage through the village.
Five victims died instantly and were identified by their next of kin as:
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- Elliot Khupe (101) – male, Bellas Village
- Butho Tshuma (97) – female, Bellas Village
- Constance Sibanda (66) – female, Bellas Village
- Tiffan Surprise Ndlovu (6) – female juvenile, Bellas Village
- Catra Matsika (72) – female, Central Village
Two survivors, a 90-year-old woman and a 41-year-old woman, sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at Madlambuzi Clinic and Plumtree District Hospital.
In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
“This is a deeply disturbing incident. The suspect became violent and attacked anyone he came across, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives.
“We urge families to closely monitor mental patients, ensure they receive proper medical care, and alert authorities whenever there are signs of violent behaviour.”
Police have since urged the public to promptly report mental health crises to medical institutions and authorities to prevent similar tragedies.
Members of the public can contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712 800197, or report to the nearest police station.
