Man jailed 23 years for rape and robbery

Musawenkosi Moyo
A 27-YEAR-OLD man from Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and robbery.
Divine Mapawe appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Dambudzo Malunga facing one count of rape and one count of robbery.
He pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a full trial. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for one count of rape, with one year suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offense within five years.
He also received a five-year sentence for robbery, with one year suspended on the same condition.
The court heard that on 15 June 2024 at around 7 pm the victim was walking along Masotsha Avenue to her house when the accused and two other accomplices who still at large approached her.
One of the accomplices grabbed her back and ran off. The accused then held the victim’s hands, dragged her to a secluded, bushy area, pushed her down, and raped her.
After the assault the accused took two of the complainant’s bags and ran away.
The matter came to light after the victim reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of the accused.
The total value of property stolen was US$218 with US$128 recovered.