BULAWAYO – In a dramatic turn of events, a man from Bulawayo has been apprehended after spending eight years as a fugitive, wanted in connection with the suspected murder of his younger sister. Silindi “Nda” Ncube, aged 36, was taken into custody by a crack team from the Nkulumane District police following a tip-off that he had returned to his family home in the Old Magwegwe suburb.
The arrest brings to a close a long and painful chapter for the family and the residents of Old Magwegwe, who were left reeling by the disappearance of Patience Ncube in 2017.
Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu, the acting police spokesperson for Bulawayo, confirmed the arrest and praised the officers involved for their swift and decisive action. “I can confirm the arrest of Silindi Ncube, who has been on the run since 2017 for the suspected murder of his younger sister. He was nabbed at his home following a tip-off. We commend the officers for their swift action,” she stated.
The case dates back to 2017 when Patience Ncube, a 26-year-old retail worker from the Entumbane suburb, went missing while on leave from her job. Her disappearance sparked immediate concern, particularly when her cousin, Angela Tshuma, noticed that all of Patience’s personal belongings – including handbags, cosmetics, and shoes – remained untouched in her house.
Angela Tshuma reported Patience as missing after she became concerned about Patience’s whereabouts.
Silindi allegedly tried to mislead Angela, claiming that Patience had left with a boyfriend in a car bearing South African number plates. However, this story soon unravelled as neighbours came forward with disturbing accounts of Silindi digging a large pit in the backyard during the early hours of one morning, and then dumping a sheet-covered object into it.
The suspicions of the community grew, and pressure mounted on the police to investigate the matter thoroughly. Eventually, after persistent demands from concerned residents, the police began to excavate the yard.
Neighbour Sithabile Mawere recounted the grim discovery. “Silindi had dug two pits to mislead us. The first was empty, but we insisted police keep digging. That’s when they uncovered her body. It was devastating,” he said.
The police discovered Patience’s body concealed in a shallow pit in the backyard of their home. The body was folded and wrapped in a blanket.
Residents of Old Magwegwe have painted a picture of Silindi as a man with a troubling character. He was described as someone who was often drunk and had a reputation for stealing from his sister and selling household items to fund his habits.
At the time of Patience’s disappearance and suspected murder, their grandmother, who owned the house, was residing in Nkayi, leaving Patience and Silindi as the sole occupants of the property.
The motive behind the alleged murder remains shrouded in mystery. As the investigation progresses, authorities hope to uncover the truth behind this tragedy and bring closure to Patience’s family and the community.
Silindi Ncube is expected to appear in court soon, where he will face murder charges. The trial will be a crucial step in seeking justice for Patience and holding the accused accountable for his alleged actions.
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