Man rapes, robs women gets 32 years

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

A 34-year-old man from Esigodini, Umzingwane District, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for raping and robbing women under the pretext of helping them secure employment.

Mgcini Sibanda, from the Esihlengeni area, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to two counts of rape and four counts of robbery by Gwanda Regional Magistrate, Ms. Sithembiso Ndebele. He was sentenced to 30 years for the two counts of rape and two years for the four counts of robbery, with the sentences to run consecutively. 

According to prosecutor, Mr. Ngonidzashe Shumba, between December 2024 and February 2025, Sibanda attacked four women, two of whom he raped. He lured them to his area, promising employment. Sibanda contacted the victims via Facebook, creating a false narrative of offering them job opportunities.

On December 19, 2024, Sibanda met one of his victims at Esihlengeni. He forcibly took her Samsung cellphone, valued at US$180, while threatening to stab her. He then dragged her into a bush at knife point, where he raped her before fleeing the scene. The victim courageously reported the assault to the police.

In January 2025, Sibanda met a second woman online, proposing to her, and she accepted. On February 8, 2025, Sibanda invited her to his home in Esihlengeni, where after meeting at the business centre, he dragged her into a bush, drew an okapi knife, and threatened to kill her. Sibanda then stole her cellphone and fled.

On 26 February, Sibanda targeted a third woman, who was searching for work as a shopkeeper. After responding to her job ad, Sibanda arranged to meet her at the business centre in Esihlengeni. On their way to his home, Sibanda threatened her with an okapi knife. The woman attempted to escape but fell into a pit. Sibanda followed her, threatened her life, and stole her cellphone (an Itel A 56 valued at US$80) and US$20 in cash. He then raped her and left her in a bushy area.

Sibanda’s final victim was a woman from Harare, who responded to a job offer sent by Sibanda via Facebook. After an online interview, she was told she passed and should travel to Bulawayo on February 27, 2025 to familiarise herself with the work environment. Upon arrival in Bulawayo, Sibanda directed her to Esihlengeni. When she arrived, Sibanda demanded her cellphone and cash before fleeing. She reported the crime to the police immediately.

After a thorough investigation, Sibanda was arrested and charged with multiple offences. This case serves as an important lesson in the need for caution when seeking employment, particularly through online platforms.

Authorities have urged the public to verify job offers and avoid meeting strangers in  isolated places. If in doubt, individuals are advised to consult trusted organisations or local authorities.

This case not only underscores the dangers of trusting online interactions but also serves as a reminder that justice will be pursued for those who are victims of exploitation and violence. 

— @DubeMatutu .