3 cousins up for murdering cop

Zim Now Writer

Three cousins from Jotsholo in Lupane, Matabeleland North Province were arrested after they took turns to assault a policeman at a beer drink on Christmas Day, leading to his death a day after the assault.

Lizwe Tshuma, 18, Nowell Tshuma, 20, and Forget Tshuma, 20, all of Sikhali 1 Village under Chief Mabhikwa, were not asked to plead to that charge of murder when they appeared before Lupane resident magistrate Ndumo Masuku.

They were alleged to have caused the death of Mandleni Ncube, 31, of the same village.

They were remanded in custody to 12 January and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

Prosecuting, Zandile Lauren Ndebele said the murder took place at Jabhiwa Business Centre in Jotsholo on Christmas Day.

“On the 25th of December at around 11:30pm the deceased was standing at the veranda of Saphiwa Kuhle store wearing a police uniform. He was greeted by the informant Sicelo Moyo who was heading to where some people were drinking.

“Moments later the informant heard noise coming from the direction where the deceased was where he was having an argument with one Makhosi Mpala which prompted him to go outside the bar and check,” said Ndebele.

The court also heard old that while the deceased was arguing with Mpala, Lizwe approached from behind, holding a knobkerrie and struck him once on the head before running away.

He fell to the ground, unconscious.

While he was lying on the ground, Nowell allegedly struck Ncube with a log once on the back of the thighs and also ran away.

Forget then came and struck Ncube with an empty beer bottle on the head.

Moyo tried to render first aid by pouring water on an unconscious Ncube, who was bleeding from the mouth and nose to no avail.

Ncube was rushed to Tshongogwe Hospital but was transferred to St Luke’s Hospital where he died on admission.

A report was made to the police, leading to the trio’s arrest.