Chronicle EditorMichael Magoronga, [email protected]
A 25-year-old Kwekwe man has been sentenced to 19 years for raping and robbing a 21-year-old woman.
Takunda Murambinda of Skeleton Mine Compound in Kwekwe pleaded guilty to two charges of rape and robbery when he appeared before Gokwe Regional Magistrate Mr Musaiona Shortgame.
Murambinda will serve an effective 15-year jail term after four years were set aside for five years on condition of good behaviour. Prosecutor Miss Fatuma Tekera told the court that on August 12 at around 9pm, the woman was walking to the bus stop when she encountered Murambinda, who was walking in the opposite direction.
“The accused then suddenly grabbed the complainant and produced a knife before force-marching her into a bushy area. He threatened to stab her if she made any noise before raping her at knifepoint,” the court heard.
Murambinda then demanded money but the woman indicated that she only had ZiG10. He, however, demanded US$10 and decided to rape her again since she did not have money.
“The complainant complied and requested that she be allowed to go on top during the act, and the accused agreed to. While on top, the woman wrestled the accused and bit him once on the ear and once on the hand as she tried to escape,” the court further heard.
Murambinda, however, stabbed the complainant once on the left leg, once on the left hand and once on the back.
The woman managed to escape half-naked leaving behind her belongings, including her mobile phone and clothes.
She was assisted by a Honda Fit driver, who took her to Mbizo Police Station where she made a report. Murambinda was arrested for a similar offence and the woman managed to positively identify him at a parade.
Online Reporter