Rutendo Matinyarare beats up a white man, assailant requires plastic surgery

Zimbabwean political activist and commentator Rutendo Matinyarare was involved in a violent altercation on the road on Monday night after an apparent case of road rage escalated into a physical confrontation. He did not specify whether the incident happened in South Africa or Zimbabwe.

Matinyarare detailed the incident on social media, stating that the altercation occurred while he was driving home. According to his account, he was following behind a vehicle that began slowing down and veering to the left on a one-way strip. Interpreting this as a sign that the driver was preparing to turn left, Matinyarare attempted to pass on the right - only to realize too late that the vehicle was actually indicating a right turn.

"I slowed down and stopped about 10 meters behind the car to let it turn," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). However, what followed took an unexpected and aggressive turn.

Matinyarare said the driver then deliberately turned and blocked the road before stepping out of his vehicle and hurling insults. “Before I knew it, he stepped out of his car and began to come to my car. I stepped out to meet him halfway and he attacked me with brass knuckles (knuckle duster),” he stated.

The confrontation turned physical, but Matinyarare claims he managed to defend himself from the unprovoked assault. "Fortunately I know how to defend myself," he added.

Following the incident, Matinyarare says the same individual contacted him and informed him that he would require plastic surgery due to injuries sustained during the scuffle. "It saddens me to hear that a moment of bad judgment on his part led to that," Matinyarare remarked.

The activist did not specify whether a police report had been filed or if legal action was being pursued. His post has sparked discussion online, with some sympathizing with his experience while others have called for clarity on the use of force in self-defense situations.

Matinyarare, known for his vocal commentary on political and economic issues in Zimbabwe, has previously spoken out against violence and the need for national discipline.

Last night while driving home I saw a car slowing down and veering to the left on a one way strip, I then tried to pass right only to realize that the car was indicating to turn right. I slowed down and stopped about 10 meters behind the car (more than reasonable room) to let the… pic.twitter.com/pWJBYd5CYi

— Rutendo Matinyarare (@matinyarare) May 13, 2025