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Danisa Masuku
RESIDENTS from Bulawayo’s New Magwegwe suburb are living in fear of Utsheketsha (gold panner) who allegedly, randomly fondles women’s private parts and threatens to stab any person who refuses to buy him booze.
The tormentor, Shepherd Mathe (24), has since been arrested. The B-Metro News crew visited the suburb and spoke to women and men who narrated the ordeals they have suffered at the hands of Mathe.
“While I was at the shops, Shepherd came to me and commented about my body. After that, he requested money to buy beer, but I told him that I did not have money. He did not accept that and grabbed me by my waist before fondling my bums and private parts,” said the 48-year-old woman.
Another woman whose name is withheld for ethical reasons said: “When I was on my way to the shops, he confronted me and asked for money. I told him that I had no money on me, after that he insulted me calling me a prostitute.”
A teenage girl who is doing Form Six at a local high school said while she was from the shops, Mathe approached her and solicited for sex.
“While I was leaving the shops, he approached me and asked to have sex with me. I refused and after that, he tapped my bums. There were men nearby and they intervened,” said the girl.
An elderly woman said Mathe robbed her of US$1 while she was heading to the shops.
“While I was heading to the shops to buy bread, Shepherd approached me and demanded money. I had to give him the only dollar I had. After that he insulted me and threatened to stab me to death if I told anyone about the incident. Our lives are at risk,” she said.
Two shop owners in the suburb said they were losing customers because of Mathe’s unbecoming behaviour.
“Most of our clients have stopped coming here because Shepherd terrorises them demanding money and terrorises ladies as he demands to have sex with them. We reported the incident at Magwegwe Police Station,” said a shop owner.
A male member of the community said: “When he is here at the shops we move away and sit in a group. He carries a knife and threatens to stab anyone who crosses his path or argues with him. He believes he is a bull.”
One of the residents highlighted that any person who wants to rent a place in the suburb should be vetted by the police.
“He is a tenant in the suburb. We found out that some people who come to stay in the suburb would have criminal records hanging over their heads. We would like to advice fellow residents to check with the police the background of a person. That will help in nipping this in the bud,” said a resident.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu