A 19-YEAR-OLD Gweru man allegedly killed his mother by stabbing her five times with a kitchen
knife and stole her car, which he used for joyrides with prostitutes on a three-day drinking
spree. Kudakwashe Ashley Sibanda, of Southdowns suburb, who was allegedly expelled from
Thornhill High School last year, allegedly killed his mother, Barbra Sibanda, on Thursday last
week.
A suspicious neighbour called the police who discovered the body in a congealed pool of blood
on Saturday. As the news of the callous killing spread, family sources said, Kudakwashe fled to
Harare where he killed a pedestrian in a hit and run accident.
Police Officer Commanding Gweru District, Chief Supt Elias Chivandire said investigators suspect
Kudakwashe killed his mother in a dispute over money. Supt Chivandire said the teen was
arrested in Harare on Saturday.
“I can confirm that police in Gweru are investigating a murder case where on November 3 this
year a 19-year-old male adult allegedly killed his mother by stabbing her five times on the left
side of the chest, inflicting deep lacerations,” said Chief Supt Chivandire.
He said Kudakwashe locked the house and took his mother’s Nissan Bluebird vehicle and fled to
Harare.
“While on his way he knocked down a pedestrian in Norton and the victim died on the spot,” he
said. “The matter came to light on Saturday when a neighbour and family friend, Chounlai
Chindanga, went and checked on Barbra but found the door locked.” Chindanga, said Chief Supt
Chivandire, became suspicious and tried calling her but she was not answering.
“He alerted the police who broke into the house and found Sibanda’s body in the lounge lying in
a pool of blood,” said Chief Supt Chivandire. He said the neighbour told the police he last heard
from Barbra when she was quarrelling with Kudakwashe. Police launched an investigation and
were tipped that the suspect had been spotted in Mbare.
He was later arrested by police at Stoddard Police station in Harare. “The suspect is in police
custody assisting with investigations. “He’ll appear in court soon,” said Chief Supt Chivandire. He
said the body will be taken to Bulawayo for a postmortem today.
Neighbours told of a problem child who was violent and often stole money. “When he
committed the crime he took his mother’s vehicle, went and picked up his girlfriend with whom
he attended a series of wild parties,” said one of the neighbours.
During the drinking spree, added the neighbour, Kudakwashe’s girlfriend inadvertently divulged
to friends that he had killed his mother. The neighbours alleged that as news of the death
filtered through, Kudakwashe went back home and packed his clothes and left for Harare.
Another neighbour said Kudakwashe’s mother told them recently that he had tried to kill her
with a kitchen knife while she was sleeping.
“He’s out on bail after stealing $900 from a tenant, after which he stole the tenant’s vehicle and
went on a beer drinking binge,” said the neighbour. “He was expelled from Thornhill High School
last year after he stole money from fellow pupils. “He also stole teachers’ vehicles and went for
joyrides with friends.” around the world , Top Trending
