A Mabelreign prophet yesterday tipped the Police about three suspected murderers who had approached him for cleansing, H-Metro reported citing national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The three suspects allegedly stabbed a vendor, Tobias Matiyase, with a knife five times following a dispute over change on Monday night. Tinotenda Zemba (20), Kudzanayi Sala (21) and John Cheutare (age not given) were arrested at the shrine following a tip-off by the unidentified prophet.
What happened:
It is alleged that the suspects bought four cigarettes and bananas from Tobias using a US$1 note.
A misunderstanding arose after Tobias gave them a ZW$ 200 change. Zemba, Sala and Cheutare reportedly demanded $400 change instead.
It’s further alleged that Tobias tried to explain to the trio that their change was $200, but the three suspects responded by stabbing him five times with a knife before running away.
The suspects then went to the unnamed prophet in Mabelreign for cleansing.
The prophet alerted the police while pretending to be conducting a cleansing ceremony, and the trio was arrested at the shrine.
Tobias’ uncle Moses Matiyase, said the death of his nephew caught them unaware and they are deeply pained. He told H-Metro:
For me, it’s like I am still dreaming, I can’t believe it yet that Tobias is gone for good
It’s painful considering the circumstances surrounding his death.
Tobias has been a vendor for more than 15 years and he was someone very quiet.
He said Tobias was not violent adding that they were deeply pained as a family.