By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Hwange Regional Court on Wednesday sentenced 46-year-old Samson Siazuza to an effective four years in prison after convicting him of attempted murder for a violent attack on former Cabinet Minister Joel Gabuza in Binga earlier this year.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the assault occurred on 5 June 2025 at Siamwake Village under Chief Pashu. Siazuza, together with an accomplice still at large, accused Gabuza of having a relationship with a local woman, Rumbidzai Munsaika.
The court heard that Siazuza pulled Gabuza from his vehicle, stabbed him in the right eye with a homemade knife, and, with the help of his accomplice Smart Sipu, struck him repeatedly with logs.
Gabuza sustained severe head injuries and deep cuts but survived after being rushed to Mpilo Hospital for treatment.
Police later recovered the weapons used in the attack, while Sipu remains on the run.
In delivering judgment, the court imposed a six-year sentence, two years of which were suspended, leaving Siazuza to serve an effective four years.
The NPA, in a statement, condemned the attack and warned that disputes over relationships could not justify violence, saying those who resort to brutality would face heavy prison terms.