Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
A 23-year-old Filabusi man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after he and an accomplice allegedly terrorised a couple at their homestead before taking turns to rape the woman at gunpoint.
The man was convicted of rape and robbery by the Gwanda Regional Court and sentenced to five years for robbery and 15 years for rape, bringing his effective sentence to 20 years behind bars.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the accomplice remains at large.
The court heard that on March 14, 2026, the two men, armed with a pistol and an axe, raided a homestead in Sukhasimbe Co-operative in Filabusi, Matabeleland South.
The pair allegedly threatened the sleeping couple before stealing property including a 24-inch Samsung television, a 30-watt solar panel, three 12-volt batteries, two shaving machines, two mobile phones and US$43 in cash.
The total value of the stolen property was put at US$263.
After ransacking the homestead, the accused and his accomplice allegedly dragged the couple outside at gunpoint, where both men took turns raping the 22-year-old woman.
A police report was subsequently made, leading to the arrest of the 23-year-old man.
During a search of his residence, police recovered some of the stolen property, including the Samsung television, a 12-volt battery and the 30-watt solar panel, as well as US$90.
The victim was referred to Filabusi District Hospital for medical examination.
The NPAZ condemned the attack, particularly the use of violence and sexual abuse during the robbery, and said it remained committed to prosecuting perpetrators of violent crimes.
“The NPAZ strongly condemns acts of violence and sexual abuse and remains steadfast in prosecuting perpetrators of violent crimes to ensure safety, security and justice within our communities,” the authority said.
