Cross-Border Murder Suspect Apprehended After Dramatic Chase, Attempts Suicide
A man suspected of traveling from South Africa to Zimbabwe to murder his former lover in Nkayi has been arrested following an intense police operation that culminated near the Shangani River. The arrest was marred by a disturbing incident where the suspect allegedly attempted to take his own life by consuming fertilizer, which he reportedly mistook for pesticide.
Details of the Arrest and Suicide Attempt
Police identified the suspect as Sicelinkosi Masuku, who was apprehended on the evening of Thursday, January 29, 2026. This came just days after the brutal killing of Princess Janet Magonya Dakamela at a guest house in Nkayi on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The arrest was first reported by veteran broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, who revealed that Masuku was tracked down after an extensive manhunt supported by tips from the public in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Acting on information received from members of the public, police tracked him to the Shangani River area, Sibanda reported. However, the situation took a grim turn when officers discovered that Masuku had ingested fertilizer in an apparent suicide attempt upon his arrest. He was immediately rushed to Nkayi Hospital, where he remains under police guard while receiving urgent medical treatment.
Background of the Case and Public Involvement
Investigators stated that the case originated from a relationship that began in South Africa and ended after the victim discovered Masuku was married. She subsequently returned to Zimbabwe, but police allege that Masuku followed her and subjected her to threats and stalking in the days leading up to her death. One of the messages allegedly sent to the victim was quoted by investigators as saying: If I don't have you, no one will have you.
According to a police statement, It is alleged that the suspect tracked the victim to a guest house at Nkayi Centre, where he brutally attacked and killed her before fleeing the area. The case was registered under CR 67/01/26. Police had earlier warned that the suspect might attempt to flee back to South Africa, where his last known address was in Ivory Park, Thembisa, and noted that he has a twin brother, which initially complicated the search efforts.
Ongoing Investigations and Next Steps
Sibanda expressed appreciation for the public's role in the arrest, noting: We received so many calls last evening from people in SA and some in Nkayi which assisted the police in locating and arresting the suspect. With Masuku now in custody, authorities have indicated that he will be formally charged once he is medically stable. Investigations into the full circumstances surrounding the killing are still ongoing as police work to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident.
