Knobkerrie attack -A quiet evening in Mzilikazi suburb, Bulawayo, erupted into violence when a 29-year-old tenant allegedly launched a vicious attack on his elderly landlord, using a traditional knobkerrie as a weapon. The shocking incident, which left residents in disbelief, has once again raised concerns over rising interpersonal conflicts and violent landlord-tenant disputes in urban communities.
The accused, Philelinkosi Gwebu, appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Steve Ramaboena on Thursday, facing charges of assault following the brutal beating of 76-year-old Dambisa Mafu, his landlord.
According to court proceedings, the assault occurred on Monday, 1 July 2025, at approximately 9PM, shortly after Mafu had approached Gwebu to remind him about his outstanding rent. The month had just ended, and like many landlords, Mafu expected payment to settle bills and upkeep the property.
However, instead of responding with an explanation or commitment to pay, Gwebu allegedly flew into a violent rage. Without warning, he is said to have grabbed a knobkerrie—a traditional wooden club—and began beating the elderly man mercilessly, targeting his limbs and body.
Prosecutor Josephine Gurazhira told the court that the attack was sudden and relentless, leaving Mafu with injuries to his left leg and right hand. “The complainant simply asked about rent arrears,” she said. “The accused became angry and used a knobkerrie to assault him, causing bodily harm. The landlord could not defend himself due to his age and was left helpless.”
Mafu, who lives alone on the property where Gwebu rented a room, reportedly cried out for help, but neighbours, fearing for their own safety, did not intervene. One neighbour, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the scene: “We heard him screaming, but that young man was dangerous. People were afraid he would turn on them too.”
TENANT TURNS TERROR! Clobbers landlord with knobkerrie
Following the incident, concerned residents quickly notified the police. A report was filed at the Mzilikazi Police Station, and a team was dispatched to apprehend the suspect. Gwebu was arrested the following morning and taken into custody.
During his court appearance, Gwebu pleaded guilty to the assault charges. Magistrate Ramaboena ordered that he be remanded in custody until 10 July 2025, when the matter is scheduled to go to trial. In the meantime, Mafu is said to be recovering at home under medical supervision, though visibly shaken by the ordeal.
Social commentators and civic groups have condemned the attack, calling it not only a criminal act but a reflection of deepening social tensions. “It’s a disgrace that a young man would resort to violence, especially against a senior citizen, over rent. This shows a disturbing decline in basic respect and problem-solving skills,” said Miriam Dube, a community advocate.
Many have pointed to economic stress, unemployment, and lack of tenant rights awareness as contributing factors to such disputes. In recent months, similar conflicts have been reported across urban centres, with some turning deadly.
Police spokesperson for Bulawayo province, Inspector Abednico Ncube, urged members of the public to seek peaceful ways to resolve disputes. “We are seeing more cases of violence stemming from domestic or rental disagreements. We urge citizens to turn to mediation, or report to authorities, rather than resort to force,” he said.
He added that assaulting the elderly is a serious offence, and the law will take its course. “Elder abuse is a violation of human rights and dignity. No matter the nature of the disagreement, no one has the right to inflict violence on another person,” Ncube warned.
As Gwebu awaits trial, the Mzilikazi community remains rattled by the knobkerrie incident. Several residents have since come forward to offer support to Mr. Mafu, describing him as a “peaceful and kind landlord” who rarely had disputes with his tenants.
One local resident said, “He’s always been a calm man. That’s why this whole thing is shocking. It’s just unacceptable.”
The knobkerrie case continues to highlight the urgent need for conflict resolution education, stronger legal protections for both tenants and landlords, and greater attention to mental health and emotional regulation in high-stress environments. For now, the community watches closely as justice takes its course.
Source- Herald
