Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A 23-YEAR-OLD woman survived a rape attempt by an armed robber, at her Tegela home in Bulawayo, after telling him she was HIV positive.
The incident occurred on August 24 at around 2pm.
According to Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the woman was sitting in the yard when the suspect approached her and demanded cash.
She told him that she had no money, but the suspect forced her at gunpoint into a bedroom where an 82-year-old woman was sleeping.
The suspect allegedly threatened both women with a firearm and demanded money.
The women handed him US$10 which was in the 82-year-old’s handbag.
Inspector Msebele said the suspect locked the elderly woman inside the bedroom before taking the younger woman into another room.
“The accused person forced her to remove her clothes with the intention of raping her and proceeded to fondle her breast,” said Insp Msebele.
Thinking fast, the woman told the suspect that she had a sexually transmitted infection and was taking antiretroviral medication.
Insp Msebele said the suspect became angry, insulted the woman and ordered her to put her clothes back on.
He subsequently left the room and fled from the scene.
Inspector Msebele appealed to members of the public with information that may assist in identifying and arresting the suspect to report at their nearest police station.
