Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A BIZARRE incident occurred in Rusape’s Magamba suburb on Tuesday morning, when a landlord allegedly ran amok and viciously stabbed and attacked her tenant with a brick for praying in her rented room.
The altercation took place at 2339 Old Magamba, where Nomsa Sambayi (38) gained access to Margret Chiduku’s room around 3am.
Witnesses and fellow tenants said Sambayi accused Chiduku (27) of conducting prayers against her will.
The situation escalated, with Sambayi allegedly stabbing Chiduku before hitting her with a brick.
Swift intervention by fellow tenants prevented further harm on the victim.
Sambayi has since been arrested and appeared at the Rusape Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of assault. She was unrepresented when she appeared before magistrate Mrs Barbara Mateko, who did not ask her to enter a plea.
Sambayi was subsequently released from custody, as her case appeared to take a concerning turn.
She was visibly unwell, displaying signs of stress, and was remanded until September 30 for plea recording. In court, she was heard mumbling that she was possessed.
Ms Faith Mutukwa appearing for the State said: “Sambayi is Chiduku’s landlord. On September 23, 2025, at around 3am, at 2239 Old Magamba, Rusape, the complainant was inside her room praying when the accused person opened the unlocked door, holding a kitchen knife.
“Sambayi then began shouting at the complainant, accusing her of being a witch who pretended to be a Christian. The accused person subsequently stabbed Chiduku twice on the face, once on the left arm with a kitchen knife, and struck her three times on the head with a brick. Chiduku sustained cuts on the head and arm, and was medically examined,” said Ms Mutukwa.
