Mutare – A chieftainship in Zimunya is under a cloud after village head Frederick Matika (41) was viciously attacked with a machete by his younger brother, Tendai, following accusations of an affair with Tendai’s wife. The incident, which left Sabhuku Matika with life-threatening injuries, has raised serious questions about his suitability to continue leading the community.
The brutal assault took place in Chigodora, under Chief Zimunya, leaving Frederick Matika with deep wounds to his head, arms and legs. The catalyst for the violence, according to family sources, was the discovery of incriminating messages on the phone of Nyasha Guti (19), Tendai’s wife, revealing that the two were enjoying a sexual relationship (bota raidyiwa).
It is alleged that Frederick had sent suggestive messages to Guti, detailing his preparations for a steamy lula lula encounter. These messages, intercepted by the enraged husband, Tendai Matika (38), sparked a heated confrontation that quickly escalated into a bloody attack.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, stating: “Tendai went to his elder brother Frederick accusing him of having an affair with his wife, Nyasha Guti, and then took the law into his own hands when he began hacking him with a machete, which he had hidden in his bag while searching for him. He seriously injured him on the arm and head. Frederick was then taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital after escaping, where he received treatment.”
The extent of Frederick’s injuries was severe, including a finger almost completely severed which doctors at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare managed to reattach. His recovery is expected to be lengthy, and the incident has cast a long shadow over his position as village head.
According to his aunt, Anna Matika, who reported the matter to Chief Zimunya, the role of Sabhuku demands respect and moral standing within the community. The allegations of infidelity and the subsequent violent attack have severely undermined Frederick’s authority.
When journalists visited the Matika homestead in Zimunya, Frederick was unavailable for comment. However, his wife, Marjory Tsoka, recounted the horrific events, stating: “I ran outside and saw Tendai hacking him with a machete. It was covered in blood. My husband’s whole body was also covered in blood. Tendai was shouting at the top of his voice that he wanted to kill him. He had already cut him deeply on the head, fingers, and thigh. My husband is lucky to be alive,” Tsoka said, visibly traumatised.
The family dynamics are further complicated by the accusations levelled against Nyasha Guti by Frederick and Tendai’s sister, Primrose Matika. Primrose claims that Guti has a history of promiscuity and attracting men in the community.
“When she married my brother, she already had a two-month-old baby from another man. She was always promiscuous, having affairs with many men. My brother showed me the message on her phone, and it was shameful. But we had forgiven her, and I thought the matter was closed,” Primrose stated.
Despite the gravity of the situation, it is understood that Frederick and Tendai have reportedly forgiven each other. However, Tendai remains in custody, awaiting his fate at the Mutare Magistrates’ Court.
The case is scheduled to be heard on March 28th, pending the submission of a comprehensive medical report detailing the full extent of Frederick’s injuries.
Frederick Matika was unavailable for comment, his phone ringing unanswered. The incident has left the Chigodora community reeling and the future of its leadership uncertain.