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Patient Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
A BULAWAYO landlord is fighting for his life in hospital after he was allegedly severely assaulted by a tenant and his three friends for demanding $60 in monthly rentals.

Moses Ngwenya, 63, of Cowdray Park suburb allegedly suffered head injuries and broken ribs following the savage attack.

The incident occurred on Thursday night and neighbours said they were afraid to intervene.

Yesterday, the tenant was subjected to mob justice, before he was stripped and was later arrested. Ngwenya was also ferried to Mpilo Central Hospital yesterday after neighbours noticed that his condition was worsening.

His tenant identified only as Philani and his friends Melusi Ngwenya, Fortune Dube and a Mzembe allegedly assaulted him using a metal rod.

The landlord lived alone with his tenants.

When a Chronicle news crew visited the suburb yesterday, it witnessed a mob bashing Philani soon after he was dropped by a commuter omnibus.

They dragged him to Ngwenya’s house while assaulting him and stripped him naked.

Police later arrested Philani after he was taken to his residence to put on some clothes.

Acting Bulawayo Metropolitan Province police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Abedinico Ncube could not immediately comment.

Philani’s fellow tenant at Ngwenya’s house, Masiza Ndlovu, said the four men gained entry into the landlord’s room at around 12 midnight.

“I locked myself inside my room as they assaulted him. They assaulted him from 12 midnight up to 3AM. They also poured meal-mealie into his ears. He was ferried to Mpilo Central Hospital today (yesterday),” said Ndlovu.

“He sustained serious injuries on the head and ribs. We won’t be shocked to hear the worst. What they did to him is very bad. Youths of today don’t show respect to elders.”

Area councillor Collette Ndhlovu said he received a report of the brutal assault from residents.

He said Philani and one of his friends had been arrested.