daniel chigunwe
Mkhululi Ncube
Bulawayo Bureau
A ZIMBABWE Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer was fatally stabbed by her uncle on Christmas Day in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, in what police suspect was a revenge attack as she was the one who turned her uncle in for assaulting her when he went to prison.
The incident occurred at around 8am and has left the Tshuma family and community in shock.
The suspect, Khuliso Tshuma (35), who benefited from the Presidential amnesty in April, was arrested in connection with the murder of his niece, Ms Priscilla Tshuma.
Nine years ago, Khuliso was convicted of severely assaulting Ms Tshuma and sentenced to prison in 2016. He was released in April this year under the Presidential amnesty.
Chief Superintendent Cabinet Thomas, the officer commanding police in Bulilima-Mangwe District said investigations were underway.
“The suspect used an Okapi knife to stab the deceased twice, once in the neck and once on the arm. Priscilla was sweeping the house while the suspect was drinking beer on the veranda. Without warning, he attacked her,” he said.
Ms Tshuma’s grandmother, Ms Sibusisiwe Ndlovu, attempted to administer first aid, but was unsuccessful.
Khuliso fled immediately after the attack but was apprehended later that day, about 7km away. The Okapi knife used in the attack was recovered by the police.
ZPCS spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi, expressed condolences on behalf of the organisation.
“As Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Tshuma family and loved ones during this difficult time. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, and we are committed to ensuring that all necessary actions are taken to bring the culprit to book,” she said.
“Our thoughts are with the Tshuma family and the entire ZPCS family as we seek to find answers and bring justice to those affected.”
leeroy mupariri
