Political Reporter
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Senator aligned to Nelson Chamisa, and former Cabinet Minister, Gabuza Joel Gabbuza, is fighting for his life at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after he was allegedly caught red-handed in a compromising situation with a married woman, leading to a violent attack that left him half dead, in Binga, last Friday.
Gabbuza, a seasoned politician and former Minister of Water Resources and Development during the Government of National Unity (GNU) from 2009 to 2013, was reportedly caught at a homestead in Siamakwa Village, Tinde Ward 18, in what residents described as a scandalous incident involving a local woman and her estranged husband.
Sources in the village said Gabbuza had earlier given the woman a lift, but opted to spend the night at her homestead.
According to eyewitnesses, two men believed to be the woman’s husband and a relative, armed with knives,stormed the house in the early hours on Friday and launched a vicious attack on the senator.
He suffered multiple stab wounds, particularly on the head and hands, and was initially rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital.
Due to the severity of his injuries, he was airlifted to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo for specialist treatment.
His condition is reportedly critical.
Local villagers expressed little surprise over the incident, describing Gabbuza as a habitual womaniser with a reputation that has long sparked controversy in the community.
"To be honest, we are shocked but not surprised. Gabbuza has always been known as someone who preys on vulnerable women, especially married ones. He behaves like a sex predator, using his position and power to manipulate women," said Nomore Ndlovu, a resident of Tinde.
Another villager, Angeline Dube, said the former minister's conduct had long been a subject of quiet resentment in the community.
“People have been whispering about his behaviour for years, but nobody ever thought something this serious would happen. He always acts like he is untouchable, but this time he has crossed the line. We do not condone violence but people should also learn to respect marriage and community values," said Dube.
Others accused the senator of abusing his political influence to engage in immoral behaviour.
“Gabbuza is not just an ordinary man. He was once a Cabinet Minister and now he’s a senator under CCC. He should lead by example, but instead, he has been humiliating his family and party with reckless behaviour,” said another resident, who requested anonymity.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local political community and raised questions about the personal conduct of public officials.
Gabbuza, once a trusted lieutenant of the late Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and now aligned to CCC, remains a prominent figure in Matabeleland North politics, particularly in Binga District where he previously served as MP.
As of yesterday, medical sources confirmed that the senator remains in a critical condition, with doctors closely monitoring his recovery after emergency surgery.
The alleged attackers are still at large.
