Online ReporterLovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A SECURITY guard at a school in Chimanimani is battling for his life in hospital after being severely attacked by an intruder, who had invaded the institution’s premises, during the night.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of Gilbert Phiri for allegedly attacking Godfrey Matanga, who is a guard at Ndieme Primary School.
Phiri is facing attempted murder allegations.
“On June 9, 2026, between 3am and 4am and at Ndieme Primary School Matanga who is employed as a security guard at the school, was on night duty alone when Phiri trespassed into the staff quarters wielding a wooden log.
“Matanga saw Phiri and confronted him.
“A misunderstanding arose between the two, resulting in Phiri striking Matanga three times on the head with the wooden log and he fell to the ground screaming.
“Moses Vhumisai, who was asleep in his bedroom, heard Matanga screaming and came out.
“He found Phiri standing beside Matanga holding the wooden log while Matanga was lying down unconscious on the ground.”
Ass Insp Chinyoka added:
“Vhumisai questioned Phiri as to why he had assaulted Matanga and the accused person threatened to assault him as well.
“Vhumisai alerted other members of the community who came out and apprehended Phiri before taking him to ZRP Chipinge Rural Junction Police Base where a police report was made.
“Matanga was referred to Chipinge District Hospital for treatment and medical examination.’He said Matanga was unconscious when the police arrived.
“Police details attended the scene and observed that the complainant sustained a cut on his head. His head was swollen and he was not able to speak.
“The log used to hit him had blood stains and was recovered. He remains admitted at Chipinge District Hospital and his condition is critical.
“Investigations are underway.”
