Residents in a Khayelitsha informal settlement have dug up the body of a man who was buried in a shallow grave after he was murdered.
Thabiso Innocent Nkosi, 28, was seen last on Sunday drinking at a shebeen in New Monwabisi Park, Ndlovini.
Community members say they were informed that he was shot and killed, and then buried by a man known to him.
In a twist, however, the alleged suspect was also killed on Tuesday around 4pm, just hours before Thabiso’s bullet-riddled body was dug out.
Xola Mqhaba says someone, who was present during the murder, informed the area committee members of it.
“We went to the Harare Police Station and reported the matter. Officers came to check the grave.
“They saw the ground was recently dug out, but they could not retrieve the body because it was dark,” he explains.
“They said they would be back and they left. But we couldn’t wait, we dug him out around 1am on Wednesday.”
He says Thabiso’s body was stuffed in a black rubbish bag while his head was covered with his own jacket.
While Thabiso was reportedly drinking at the shebeen, residents say they heard gunshots but they never investigated.
“The grave is in my neighbour’s yard, but the shebeen where he was shot is a few doors away,” says Xola.
“I am still shocked that someone was buried right next to my shack.
“What is weird about this is that the man accused of killing Thabiso was also killed and now we won’t know if he really did it and why.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirms the body of a 28-year-old man was found buried at Ndlovini, Harare.
“In another incident, a 49-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded on Tuesday by unidentified suspects who are yet to be arrested in Ndlovini, Harare.
“At this stage of investigation, police cannot confirm that the deceased is indeed the suspect in the murder case of a 28-year-old man. The investigation is on-going.”