A tr@gic incident in Mwenezi has resulted in the d3ath of Alex Sibanda (also known as Munyai/Sadombo), the intermediary in a lobola negotiation, after a violent dispute over the amount of money brought as the initial bride price.
The Masvingo Provincial Police confirmed the details to TellZim, revealing a sh0cking turn of events.
On February 10, 2025, 18-year-old Onai Zhou eloped with a man identified as Power from Mberengwa.
The following morning, Alex Sibanda was sent by Power to Onai’s father, Farisai Zhou, in Madzvaruse Village, Chief Mazhetese, as the intermediary to initiate lobola negotiations with US$30.
Upon receiving the US$30, Farisai Zhou and his accomplices were angered by the amount, viewing it as an insult. The group included Simbarashe Zhou, Inzwirashe Majaya, and Isaac Majaya.
The group took turns assaulting Sibanda using a catapult and logs. The victim was repeatedly hit all over his body.
Audrey Mushayi, 53, who was passing by, intervened and tried to stop the assault. Sibanda was already unconscious at this point.
After being dragged out of the homestead, Sibanda managed to walk only 500 meters before collapsing. The following day, he was found lying on the ground by two women. He was able to tell them what happened before becoming unconscious.
ALSO READ: OnlyFans celebrity Merve Taskin arr3sted for overcharging bedroom services on Valentine’s Day
The women notified a fellow villager, Edias Shumba, who confirmed Sibanda’s death and reported the incident to the police.
The police took the deceased’s body to Neshuro District Hospital for a post-mortem. Farisai Zhou was taken into police custody.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the details of the incident to TellZim News.
He further stated: “We urge members of the public to solve their issues amicably to avoid loss of life.”
Sibanda had traveled from his home in Gwanda to Mberengwa before being sent to Mwenezi for the lobola negotiations.
