EIGHT villagers have been arrested in Tsholotsho after they allegedly fatally assaulted a 60-year-old man accusing him of stealing 20 litres of fuel.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the arrest of Bismarck Nkomo (30), Bhekimpilo Ncube (24), Mthokozisi Mlotshwa (21), Bekezela Moyo (18), Mthokozisi Ndlovu (22), Mthetheli Moyo (19), Mthulisi Moyo (19) and Tafana Ncube (22), all from Mkhono line under Chief Gampu.

She said the eight were arrested over the weekend after allegedly assaulting Thuku Moyo of Delele line in Malila area on Saturday.

Chief Insp Makonese said investigations are underway while the accused persons will appear in court for murder.

“I can confirm that we received a report about some villagers who teamed up to assault a fellow villager in a bushy area in Mkhono line. On 14 March at around 6AM Bismarck Nkomo noticed that his petrol which was in a 20-litre container had been stolen and alerted the co-accused. They all traced footprints of the suspect which led them to the now deceased’s homestead,” said Chief Insp Makonese.