A weekend outing in Lushongwe, Gwanda, turned deadly when a 61-year-old businessman accidentally shot a man while attempting to kill a bull for slaughter.

The victim, 47-year-old Butholezwe Sibanda, was struck in the chest and died instantly after the bullet intended for the animal went awry. The incident occurred near Lushongwe Business Centre, leaving villagers and onlookers in shock.

Dumisani Nyathi, the businessman, had purchased the bull for his butchery when the animal broke loose and charged toward him and Sibanda. In an attempt to control the situation, Nyathi fired a single shot, missing the bull and fatally hitting Sibanda instead.

Acting Matabeleland South Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, confirmed that police are investigating the fatal shooting. “On the 21st of February, Dumisani Nyathi sold a bull to Khonzani Sibanda for slaughter. While transporting the animal, it broke loose and charged towards both Nyathi and Butholezwe Sibanda. Nyathi fired a short gun at the bull, missing it and tragically hitting Sibanda,” he said.

Police investigations are ongoing as the community grapples with the shocking accident.

Bulawayo24news