Former Cabinet Minister and long-serving Binga South legislator Joel Gabbuza is recovering in hospital after being seriously injured in an axe attack allegedly linked to a personal dispute.
The incident occurred late on Friday, June 7, 2025, and is believed to have stemmed from accusations that Gabbuza was involved in an extramarital affair.
The attacker, who remains unidentified at this stage, reportedly confronted Gabbuza over claims that the former MP had a romantic relationship with his wife. While police have not yet issued an official statement, sources familiar with the matter say the assault was motivated by the suspected affair. After the attack, the alleged assailant reportedly fled the scene, and authorities are continuing their investigation.
Gabbuza sustained serious injuries in the incident and was initially treated at Hwange Colliery Hospital. Early rumors suggesting that he had died from the attack spread quickly across social media and messaging platforms, but these claims have since been debunked by his family.
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Speaking to CITE in a brief telephone interview, Gabbuzaâs son confirmed that his father is alive and currently stable. âHe is receiving treatment at Hwange Colliery Hospital. His condition has improved from last night; he is now able to speak,â he said. He added that plans were underway to transfer the former legislator to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo for continued care and evaluation.
The attack on Gabbuza has shocked both political circles and the wider public, particularly given his long and prominent role in Zimbabwean politics. Gabbuza began his parliamentary career in 2000 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Binga under the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). After electoral boundary changes in 2008, he continued to serve as the MP for the newly formed Binga South constituency.
In addition to his parliamentary duties, Gabbuza held a ministerial role during Zimbabweâs Government of National Unity, which lasted from 2009 to 2013. During this period, he served as Minister of Water Resources and Development. His tenure in the cabinet ended when the ministry was restructured and placed under the leadership of Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Gabbuza remained in office until October 2023, when he was recalled from Parliament. Despite stepping away from active political leadership, he has remained a notable figure, particularly in his home province of Matabeleland North.
The motive behind the attack has not been formally confirmed by authorities, and no arrests have been made at the time of reporting. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and further details are expected to emerge as inquiries progress.
Gabbuzaâs family has urged the public to disregard false reports and allow space for the former minister to recover in peace. Meanwhile, officials at Mpilo Hospital are preparing for his transfer, which is expected to take place soon depending on his medical condition.
As of Monday, June 9, 2025, Gabbuza was reported to be in a stable condition and speaking, although he remains under close medical supervision. The case continues to draw attention both for its violent nature and for the involvement of a prominent former government official.
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the assailantâs whereabouts or the events leading up to the attack to come forward. Law enforcement agencies are treating the case as a high priority, given its serious implications.
