A 33-year-old Bulawayo man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after allegedly beating a man to death over a dispute about money from a watch sale, police confirmed on Sunday, March 15. Zibusiso Ndlovu of Nketa 9 is accused of fatally assaulting Tonderai Blessing Sithole, 53, of Nketa 6 following a disagreement over the proceeds from a watch the two men had sold together in the Bulawayo central business district. The incident is the latest in a pattern of fatal disputes that Bulawayo police have repeatedly linked to confrontations over money and personal property.
Assault Kept Secret for Three Days
According to Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the two men travelled together to the city centre on the morning of Tuesday, March 11. Ndlovu returned home alone that evening. When Sithole arrived at Ndlovu's residence at around 10PM, an argument broke out over the share of money from the watch sale. Inspector Msebele said Ndlovu allegedly struck Sithole repeatedly with a log, a small axe, and a wooden handle, leaving visible injuries across the victim's body. Rather than seek medical help, Ndlovu kept Sithole at his home and attempted to treat the wounds himself without alerting anyone.
Victim Dies Before Ambulance Arrives
Three days later, at approximately 3AM on Friday, March 14, Sithole's condition deteriorated sharply. Ndlovu then contacted the deceased's mother. An ambulance was called, but paramedics found Sithole dead on arrival. A police report was subsequently filed, leading directly to Ndlovu's arrest. The three-day delay between the assault and the victim's death, during which no medical attention was sought, is likely to feature prominently in any prosecution.
Police Warn Against Violent Dispute Resolution
Inspector Msebele used the case to appeal to the public. "Members of the public are urged to avoid resorting to violence when resolving disputes, as such actions often result in unnecessary loss of life." — Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson.
Under Zimbabwean law, a murder conviction carries a mandatory death sentence or life imprisonment, depending on mitigating circumstances established before the court. The case is expected to be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for formal charging. The watch. A log. Three days of silence. A life lost over a transaction that could not be undone.
Additional reporting sourced from The Chronicle / BMetro. The Granite Post has independently verified key details.
