ZRP intensifies manhunt for father who kidnapped two children, sent a video showing them tied up in a bush
By Staff Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) investigations are underway in Bulawayo after two young children were allegedly taken by their father, who later sent their mother a chilling video showing them tied up in a bush while threatening that it would be the last time she would see them alive.
The missing children have been identified as 10-year-old Shauna Sibanda and her five-year-old brother, Nkosana Smile Sibanda, both from Njube.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the children disappeared after their father, Smile Sibanda (45), reportedly asked to spend the weekend with them.
Police say the children’s mother agreed after meeting him at Njube shops on May 22 at around 5:30pm.
But what was meant to be a routine visit allegedly turned into a nightmare the following morning.
At around 8:18am on May 23, the father allegedly called the mother and instructed her to check WhatsApp.
Waiting for her was a disturbing video showing Shauna and Nkosana with their hands and feet tied, lying in a bushy area.
Inspector Msebele said he also sent an audio message allegedly telling her it was the last time she was seeing the children and that she should begin preparing for funerals — his and theirs.
The children are now feared to be in grave danger.
Police have since launched a search for both children and their father, who is being treated as the prime suspect.
Inspector Msebele said anyone with information that may help locate Shauna, Nkosana, or Smile Sibanda should urgently contact ZRP Njube or report to the nearest police station.
