UK: Musician Rutendo Matsika charged with attempted murder; second knife attack involving Zimbabweans this week

By Crime and Courts Correspondent

ENGLAND: A Norwich rapper who appeared at popular music festival, Latitude, has been charged with attempted murder after a double stabbing.

Rutendo Matsika, 32, who performs as Coll, was arrested after a man and a woman were attacked in Blackhill Wood Lane, Costessey.

A listing on the StarNow platform reads; “C.O.L.L. which stands for Creative Original Lyrical Legend is a hip hop artist from Norwich U.K.

“He is a young enthusiastic and passionate artist. His energy on stage and in the booth has been noticed and supported by such organisations as BBC Norfolk radio station where he has become a regular on the introducing show due to the release of his first mix tape ‘Blank Canvas’.

“It was released in early December 2010 and this has lead to him supporting such big acts as Aggro Santos and Devlin at one of the biggest venues in Norfolk.”

This was the second knife attack incident involving Zimbabweans in the UK over the bank holiday weekend after a woman was also fatally stabbed in Gloucester in the early hours of Tuesday.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old Matsika was apprehended after the Norwich incident which happened late afternoon on Bank Holiday Monday.

According to local police, one of the victims, Craig Herron, who is in his 40s, was found with knife wounds and his injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

The second victim, Adrienne Herron, who is in her 30s, suffered head and arm injuries which are serious but not life-threatening.

Officers confirmed the suspect and victims were known to each other.

Matsika, of Church Road, Griston, has subsequently been charged with attempted murder, GBH with intent, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article.

He appeared before Norwich Magistrates Court Wednesday morning and was remanded in custody.

Matsika spoke only to confirm his name, age and address and was wearing a black sweatshirt.

He was remanded by Deputy District Judge Jacqui Appleton, with a plea hearing scheduled to take place at Norwich Crown Court on September 25.

Defence solicitor James Burrows said he was making no application for bail which was “unsurprising” given the nature and seriousness of the offences.

Meanwhile, in Tredworth, Gloucester, Tanaka Zivanai, aged 32 has also appeared in court charged with the murder of Zanele Sibanda (28).

Police said they were called to the junction of Paul Street and Tarrington Road at around 1.45am to a report that a woman had been stabbed.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.