Murder suspect eats fertilizer to avoid arrest after travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe to kill ex-lover

Murder suspect eats fertilizer to avoid arrest after travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe to kill ex-lover

A person suspected of visiting from South Africa to murd3r his ex-lover in Nkayi has been arrested following a dramatic police chase that ended close to the Shangani River, with the situation in addition complex by using an alleged suicide strive.

Police identified the suspect as Sicelinkosi Masuku, who used to be apprehended at the night of Thursday, January 29, 2026, days after the killing of Princess Janet Magonya Dakamela at a guest residence in Nkayi on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The arrest used to be first stated by means of veteran broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, who stated Masuku used to be tracked down after an extensive manhunt supported with the aid of hints from members of the public in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.

“appearing on statistics obtained from members of the general public, police tracked him to the Shangani River area,” Sibanda suggested.

but, the arrest did no longer cease quietly. in line with the replace, officials found that Masuku had tried to take his very own lifestyles after ingesting fertiliser, which he allegedly believed to be pesticide.

“Upon his arrest, police observed Masuku trying to take his very own life after eating fertiliser,” Sibanda stated.

Masuku used to be immediately rushed to Nkayi health facility, in which he stays beneath police shield whilst receiving scientific treatment. Sibanda expressed understanding to the public for his or her function within the arrest, noting: “We obtained such a lot of calls last nighttime from human beings in SA and some in Nkayi which assisted the police in locating and arresting the suspect.”

Investigators said the case stemmed from a courting that started in South Africa and ended after the victim observed Masuku used to be married. She in the end back to Zimbabwe, however police allege that Masuku observed her and subjected her to threats and stalking in the days main up to her death.

one of the messages allegedly sent to the victim was once quoted with the aid of investigators as announcing: “If I don’t have you, no person will have you.”

in step with a police declaration, “it’s far alleged that the suspect tracked the victim to a visitor residence at Nkayi Centre, wherein he brutally attacked and killed her earlier than fleeing the area.” The case was once registered under CR sixty seven/01/26.

Police had in advance warned that the suspect may try to flee back to South Africa, wherein his closing recognised address used to be in Ivory Park, Thembisa, and referred to that he has a twin brother, which first of all complicated the hunt.

With Masuku now in custody, authorities say he will be formally charged as soon as he is medically solid. Investigations into the occasions surrounding the killing are ongoing.