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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
AN ex-convict from Pelandaba suburb in Bulawayo is on the run after he allegedly hit a 41-year-old man with a stone on the head, killing him on the spot. Nhlanhla Mpofu is said to have hit Mlungisi Hadebe during a beer brawl near Pelandaba shops on Saturday at about 7PM.

Bulawayo police acting spokesperson Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube said a manhunt for Mpofu had been launched.

“We’re investigating a murder case after a suspect allegedly hit another man with a stone killing him. The incident is deplorable.

“As police we’re appealing to anyone with information leading to his arrest to come forward,” said Asst Insp Ncube.

He urged members of the public to report any altercations in time so that police can be deployed to quell them before they turn tragic.

It could not be established what led to Mpofu’s previous convictions.

The Chronicle caught up with Hadebe’s relatives who said they were not sure what led to the scuffle that resulted in his death.

His nephew, Vernon Hadebe, said Mpofu was a well-known trouble maker in the suburb.

“I was with Mlungisi the whole day. We were just relaxing, drinking beer and at about 7PM, I got into a shop where I had left my cell phone charger. While in the shop I heard people arguing outside and before I could get a chance to understand what was happening, I saw Mpofu breaking loose from the guys who were trying to restrain him.

“He picked up a stone which he used to hit my uncle on the head,” he said.

Vernon said his uncle died on the spot.

“After being hit on the head, he collapsed and died on the spot. Mpofu saw what he had done and fled. He’s a well known trouble causer and was once arrested and served a jail term. He’s always being hunted by police,” said Vernon.

Patrick Hadebe, father to the deceased, said the family is saddened by his son’s sudden death.

“We’re at a loss for words losing him like that. We appeal to the police to do a thorough investigation so that my son’s killer can be arrested. We don’t know what led to the scuffle, we were only informed of the tragedy,” he said.

Nhlanhla’s family visited the Hadebe family to pay their condolences.

“His grandfather came here after being dragged by other residents.

“After I’d calmed down, we spoke and found some common ground. It’s pointless for me to resort to violence. It won’t bring my son back to life,” Patrick said.