Gwanda man jailed 15 years for strangling and raping Beitbridge villager

The conviction has been welcomed by the National Prosecuting Authority, which described the matter as a severe violation of trust and a grave crime against a vulnerable child.

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

A 23-year-old man from Gwanda has been sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison for strangling and raping a 23-year-old villager from the Swereki area in Beitbridge.

Ashley Ndlovu is reported to have lured the woman to a bushy area after falsely claiming that her boyfriend wanted to meet her.

Although he denied the charge, Ndlovu was convicted of rape following a full trial before Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa.

Representing the State, Mr Willbrought Muleya said that on 17 August, the accused went to the complainant’s homestead in Swereki around midnight.

He then deceived her into leaving by claiming her boyfriend wanted to meet her by the roadside, about 50 metres from her house.

When the woman left, Ndlovu followed her, grabbed her by the neck, and dragged her further into the bush.

While in the bush, he raped her once and simultaneously strangled her.

After the assault, the complainant regained strength and overpowered Ndlovu, freeing herself. She then sought help from villagers, who apprehended Ndlovu and took him to the police.