Love triangle ex-Minister transferred to Mpilo Hospital

Former Cabinet minister and Binga legislator Joel Gabbuza is fighting for his life at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after sustaining serious injuries in a brutal attack last Friday in Kamativi, Matabeleland North. His condition is reported to be critical following emergency surgery.

Gabbuza, a seasoned politician and former Water Resources and Development Minister during the Government of National Unity, was reportedly assaulted after being found in a compromising situation with a married woman in Siamakwa village, Tinde ward 18.

Sources within the village told Southern Eye that the incident unfolded after Gabbuza allegedly gave the woman a lift earlier in the day and later decided to spend the night at her homestead. In the early hours of Friday morning, two men believed to be the woman's estranged husband and his relative allegedly stormed the house armed with knives and attacked the former minister.

Gabbuza suffered multiple stab wounds, mainly to the head and hands. He was initially rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital before being airlifted to Mpilo Central Hospital due to the severity of his injuries. Medical sources yesterday confirmed that his condition remains critical, with doctors monitoring him closely following emergency surgical procedures.

The violent incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked debate over the conduct of public figures. While some residents expressed concern and sympathy for the former minister, others described the incident as a scandal of his own making.

Gabbuza, a long-serving parliamentarian who once served as a key ally to the late Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, spent over two decades in Parliament, first as a Member of Parliament and later as a senator. He remains an influential political figure in Matabeleland North, particularly in Binga district.

As of Monday, the suspects believed to be behind the attack were still at large. Police confirmed they are actively investigating the matter.

"We are still investigating. The information we have is that the suspects are in hiding, but we are pursuing them," said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

The incident has added to growing concerns over personal security and rising cases of violent crime in domestic disputes, particularly in rural communities. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward as investigations continue.