Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. A landlord in Rusape’s Magamba suburb allegedly stabbed and struck her tenant with a brick for praying in her rented room early Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred around 3 AM at 2339 Old Magamba, where 38-year-old Nomsa Sambayi reportedly forced her way into the room of her tenant, 27-year-old Margret Chiduku.
According to witnesses and fellow tenants, Sambayi accused Chiduku of conducting prayers against her will.
The situation escalated, and Sambayi allegedly stabbed Chiduku before hitting her with a brick, before she was restrained by other tenants.
Sambayi was arrested and brought before the Rusape Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of assault.
She was unrepresented when she appeared before magistrate Barbara Mateko, who did not ask her to enter a plea.
She was later released from custody as she appeared visibly unwell in court and showed signs of stress.
Sambayi was remanded until September 30 for plea recording. At one point, she was heard mumbling that she was possessed. Faith Mutukwa, appearing for the State, said:
“Sambayi is Chiduku’s landlord. On September 23, 2025, at around 3 AM, 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.”
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