Man jailed for attacking couple with knife and hammer in Costessey
The court heard how there had been a long-running feud between Matsika and his victims
A man has been jailed for 13 and a half years for attacking a couple with a knife and a hammer outside their home in Costessey last year.
Rutendo Matsika, 32, of Church Road, Griston, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court today (Thursday 3 April 2025) after pleading guilty (at a hearing on 28 February 2025) to two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article.
The court heard how there had been a long-running feud between Matsika and his victims. On Monday 26 August 2024, following an argument with his partner, Matsika left home with a knife and a hammer in his car and drove to his victims' address in Blackhill Wood Lane.
He arrived at around 4pm and approached the man, who was standing outside. He attacked him with the knife and the hammer and then picked up a metal pole from the floor and hit him with that. When the woman came out of the house and attempted to intervene, Matsika swung the pole at her too, hitting her in the hand, elbow and head.
Matsika then returned to his car and drove off. He was arrested a short time later at an address in Sir Alfred Munnings Road.
Both victims were taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for treatment - the man suffered serious injuries from which he is still recovering.
Matsika was also been charged with attempted murder, however guilty pleas to the two GBH charges and the two weapons charges were accepted by the court. The attempted murder charge will lie on file.
He was sentenced to 13 and a half years imprisonment and a further five years on licence.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Thomas Walsh said: "This senseless act of violence inflicted immense suffering on the victims, while their children were in the house and could see what was happening.
"Matsika deliberately armed himself before carrying out this attack.
“He now faces a lengthy prison sentence which I hope sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such violence in Norfolk and will endeavour to bring to justice anyone who perpetrates it."