Police hunt suspect who raped and killed Bulawayo woman

By Pamela Shumba

BULAWAYO police are investigating after the naked body of a 21-year-old woman was found in Luveve on Tuesday.

Linda Benhura, 21, of Nkulumane suburb, left home for work on Monday and never returned. She was found dead near a plantation close to Luveve cemetery by passersby.

Police suspect Benhura was raped and killed before her naked body was dumped at the plantation. Inspector Precious Simango of Bulawayo police said yesterday:

“We’ve received a report of suspected rape and murder in Luveve. There’re no arrests so far. Investigations are continuing.” Benhura appeared to have been strangled with her braids and a pair of leggings that she was last seen wearing on Monday night.

Her relatives were said to be on their way from Masvingo when our news crew visited her Nkulumane home last night. Neighbours who declined to be named said Benhura went with friends for drinks after work before they dropped her at the Food 4 Less supermarket in the city centre.

“She left home on Monday morning going to work. We understand that after work she went for some drinks with her friends who later dropped her at Food 4 Less,” said a neighbour.

“The friends don’t know what happened after that. They only received news that she was found dead in Luveve.” The neighbour said a church service would be held for Benhura at the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Barham Green tomorrow, before mourners leave for her rural home in Mhondoro, where she will be laid to rest. The Chronicle