Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga [email protected]
A 31-year-old Kwekwe man has been sentenced to an effective 75 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing five children in Mbizo high-density suburb between December 2025 and April 2026.
The Midlands Provincial Community Relations Liaison Office has applauded the judiciary for passing what it described as “a deserving lengthy sentence” following the conviction of Rangarirai Blessing Mutangi on multiple counts of aggravated indecent assault and rape.
Mutangi was found guilty by Provincial Magistrate Mugwagwa Rumbidzai after a full trial. Public Prosecutor Mitchel Daraja led the State’s case.
According to the police statement, Mutangi targeted four boys aged between 10 and 12 years, whom he indecently assaulted.
He also raped a nine-year-old girl. Two of the boys were aged 10, with the other two aged 11 and 12.
All the victims and the convict are residents of Mbizo suburbs in Kwekwe.
The court heard that Mutangi would routinely lure the children separately to his room when they were on their own. He allegedly showed them pornographic videos on his phone before forcing them to engage in intimate acts with him.
The matter came to light on 19 April 2026 after two of the victims disclosed the abuse when Mutangi refused to give them a bicycle pump. Subsequent police investigations led to his arrest and prosecution.
On Monday, 4 May 2026, Mutangi was sentenced to an effective 75 years in prison by the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court.
The lengthy sentence has been welcomed by police and community members as a strong message against child sexual abuse.
“The judiciary has passed a deserving lengthy sentence on a Kwekwe man who was taken to court for numerous counts of aggravated indecent assault on four boys and rape of one girl,” read the police statement.
Police said another report of alleged sexual abuse involving a six-year-old child by the same convict was received on 8 May 2026, after news of the sentence became public. That matter is now under investigation.
In light of the case, the Midlands Provincial Community Relations Liaison Office has urged parents and guardians to closely monitor children during play and to teach them to report abuse.
“Parents and guardians of children are once again advised to closely monitor them when they play and as well teach them to report what is done to them,” said Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer for Midlands Province.
The case has reignited calls for stronger community vigilance and child protection measures in high-density suburbs.
