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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief

POLICE in Matabeleland South have raised concern over increasing cases of crimes of passion where lives have been lost.
The province has over the past three weeks recorded three murder cases and a spine chilling attempted murder case which occurred due to conflicts between lovers.

A 15-year-old Gwanda teenager was assaulted to death by her 31-year-old lover who had turned her into a wife after he had accused her of having an affair with another man.

The girl Silindokuhle Sibanda was allegedly killed by Thandazani Ncube while they were on their way from a traditional ceremony. After assaulting her, Ncube ferried Silindokuhle in a wheelbarrow which he collected from his home and took her to their bedroom.

In another incident, a Plumtree man tried to kill a woman by burning her after she had dumped him. The man dragged the woman into a car and drove to a bushy area where he stabbed her several times, poured petrol on her body and set her on fire.

The woman managed to flee and sought help. She was unconscious for five days after sustaining serious injuries. The man remained behind and set himself on fire. His charred remains were found a few days later.

In another incident which occurred in Esigodini, a man killed his wife after she had received US$5 from a man who is their neighbour. He accused her of having an affair with the man. In Bulilima a 17-year-old teenager was assaulted to death by her lover after he accused her of having an affair with another man.

Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Thandolwenkosi Moyo said the past weeks have seen an increase in crimes of passion which is of great concern.

Murder suspect Thandazani Ncube

He said women and young girls were victims in most of the cases. Asst Insp Moyo said what was worrying was that juveniles were being caught up in unlawful unions and losing their lives.

“As a province we have recently recorded an increase in crimes of passion and some have resulted in the loss of life which is a cause for concern. Women are the victims in these cases and the cause is usually infidelity. We continue to urged couples to engage a third party whenever they have a dispute”, he said.
Asst Insp Moyo said dangerous weapons were being used in committing crimes.–@DubeMatutu