Visually Impaired Man (65) Assaulted in Mtapa Home Attack Over Fire-crackers

Gweru - A visually impaired elderly man and his adult daughter were brutally attacked at their Mtapa home on New Year’s Day, prompting a court appearance by 30-year-old Blessing Gerald Ngaya, who faces charges of assault, unlawful entry and theft.

Ngaya pleaded guilty to assault but denied unlawful entry and theft charges.

Prosecutors told the court that the incident occurred on January 1, 2025, at around 12:30am at the complainants’ home.

The elderly victim, Moses Magazeni (66) was in the company of his daughter, Lydia Magazeni (36), when a dispute allegedly arose after the complainant’s children set off firecrackers.

Ngaya is accused of grabbing Lydia Magazeni by the collar, pushing her to the ground and punching her on the cheek.

He allegedly left the scene, then returned armed with an iron bar and striking her on the hand.

When Moses Magazeni intervened, Ngaya reportedly head-butted him on the nose and repeatedly punched him in the face.

After the victims fled, Ngaya allegedly forced entry into their tuckshop by breaking down the door with the iron bar and stole US$700 in cash and a Samsung M13 cellphone, bringing the total value of the stolen property to US$950.

None of the items have been recovered.

The initial court appearance took place on January 2, 2026, before Magistrate Arnold Maburo.

The matter was remanded to a later date in January 2026 for trial.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over the safety and protection of persons with disabilities.

It comes against the backdrop of the National Disability Policy launched by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which affirms the protection, dignity and equal rights of persons with disabilities, including safeguards against violence, abuse and exploitation.