Man bitten all over the face by an assailant

A MUTASA man was last week left for dead after being bitten all over the face by an assailant who is suspected to have been either high on drugs or possessed.

Frank Magachika, a chain operator at Nyanga Pine, was left with a deformed face, coupled with breathing difficulties in an unprovoked attack that has left tongue wagging at DC Mutasa Business Centre.

Magachika was picked in a helpless state by a Good Samaritan who immediately summoned an ambulance from his workplace to rush him to the nearby Selborne Clinic for critical first aid. He was later transferred to Bonda Mission Hospital for admission.

Police in Mutasa have since arrested John Kabungaidze in connection with the attack.

He was facing assault charges and was expected to appear in court this week.

Kabungaidze created a scene at Mutasa Police Station as he would constantly scream and shout from the holding cells. Police suspected he was mentally challenged.

However, members of the community believe he was possessed or was high on drugs.

Kabungaidze is also alleged to have attacked a security guard at Masamvu Supermarket who tried to restrain him.

When The Manica Post visited Magachika at Bonda Mission Hospital last Thursday, he was visibly in pain.

His head and face were swollen.

"The person who attacked me is John Kabungaidze. I never provoked him. I met him and his wife along a foot path, and he asked for a cigarette. I told him I had some snuff (bute) and I sat down besides the footpath so that I could give him the snuff.

"I do not know what came over him as he then dived and grabbed my throat and started biting me on the face. A few hours after the incident, I could not see or talk. The pain is subsidising," said Magachika.

Mr Elisha Mawoyo, who helped him in the wee hours last Thursday likened his looks then to those of a vampire.

"I almost ran away, but I drew courage to assist him. He was like a vampire, he had fresh and clotted blood all over his face and head.

"His face was deformed and he was in great pain. I do not understand how a normal person could do that to someone.

"I think his assailant was either high on drugs or possessed. It took me time to clean his wounds before calling for an ambulance to take him to a clinic," said Mr Mawoya.

Authorities at Bonda Mission said he was responding well to treatment.

"The patient has just been admitted. He has some human bites and is responding well to treatment. His face is swollen and he has deep cuts as well. His condition is stable," said a staffer at the hospital.