Former Minister of Water Resources Development and Management, Joel Gabuza (58), was left permanently blind in one eye after a violent attack by two men in June this year.
According to court documents, on 5 June 2025, Gabuza offered a ride to Rumbidzai Munsaka, the ex-wife of one of his assailants, Samson Siazuza (46), from Kamativi Business Centre to her mother’s homestead in Siamwaka Village.
Consumed by jealousy, Siazuza allegedly stormed the homestead with a relative, Smart Sipu, who remains at large, and dragged Gabuza from his car before launching a savage assault.
Siazuza stabbed Gabuza in the right eye with a homemade knife while his accomplice struck him on the head with a log.
The two are said to have taken turns beating him with knives and logs, leaving him unconscious, bleeding, and permanently blinded in one eye.
Munsaka, who had long separated from Siazuza and since remarried, fled in terror after hearing Gabuza’s screams.
The former minister was rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital and later airlifted to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo for specialist treatment.
In court, Siazuza claimed he acted in self-defence, insisting he stabbed Gabuza only three times.
However, medical evidence contradicted his account, revealing multiple stab wounds far exceeding his claim.
Police later recovered the homemade knife and logs used in the attack, which were presented in court as exhibits.
The court convicted Siauza of attempted murder and handed down a six-year sentence, with two years suspended, resulting in an effective four-year prison term.
Gabuza represented Binga South in Parliament for more than two decades before his recall by Sengezo Tshabangu in 2023.
