Zimpapers Logo

Knox Mutizwa

Lovemore  Dube  Senior Sports Editor
HIGHLANDERS FC attacking midfielder Knox Mutizwa is recovering from severe burns on his back suffered during a suspected case of domestic violence at his home in Bulawayo’s Pelandaba suburb in the early hours of yesterday.Mutizwa, who featured in Bosso’s 1-0 win over How Mine at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, was rushed to Mpilo Hospital yesterday morning where he was admitted to Ward A2.

A hospital source confirmed that the former Young Warriors linkman was admitted to the institution with 20 degree burns. “He came this morning and has serious burns on his back. It’s unclear what happened to him but the burns are serious,” said the source.

Sources told The Chronicle that Mutizwa was involved a domestic dispute with his wife Naome Mayebe.

Friends who visited the player at Mpilo yesterday said he denied that he had been involved in a domestic dispute.

“His version is that he put some water in a container to boil. He then dozed off and when he woke up he tripped on a cable that resulted in the container emptying its contents on the back of his right shoulder,” said the source.

Another source said it appeared the incident had more to do with domestic matters than an accident.

Mutizwa had related different versions of the same incident to some club members and teammates, the source said.

“It’s really baffling what happened to him because he told some of the guys in the team that he fell into a metal container with hot water,” said the source who is close to the first team.

Efforts to get a comment from his wife Mayebe were fruitless last night.

Highlanders chairman Peter Dube confirmed that the club was advised of the incident during their meeting last night and chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede had been tasked to handle the matter.

“We heard about the incident and asked our chief executive officer to visit Mutizwa,” said Dube.

Gumede said he visited the player yesterday and found him being treated at the outpatients department before eventually being admitted to Ward A2.

“Yes, I visited Mutizwa and found him while still being treated at the outpatient department. He said when he came from yesterday’s match  against How Mine he decided to heat up water in a container. He fell asleep and when he woke up he must have caused the container to empty its contents on him.

“We wish him a speedy recovery. The injury comes at a time when we have some players out with the national Under-23 team and a couple nursing injuries,” said Gumede.

Police could not be reached for comment last night.