Online Reporter
Mutare Bureau
A 35-YEAR-OLD man, who threatened to bite his mentally-challenged relative if she screamed, before raping her, has been sentenced to an effective 17 years in prison.
The rapist initially used protection, as he was raping the 33-year-old woman, before removing the condom and continuing to rape her without protection.
His name is being withheld because it will identify the victim.
Mutare Regional Magistrate, Sekai Chiwundura, sentenced the man to an effective 17 years in jail.
Prosecutor Tom Nyatsuro told the court that the incident occurred on November 15 last year at around 5pm.
The victim was walking home, after visiting a neighbouring village, when she met the man.
“The man lured the complainant into his house, claiming that he wanted to discuss an issue with her,” said Nyatsuro.
The court heard that after entering the house and sitting on a chair, the man proposed a romantic relationship to the victim, but she turned him down.
Nyatsuro said the perpetrator then forcibly lifted the woman, placed her on his bed and threatened to bite her if she screamed.
“He lowered his trousers and raped the complainant, initially using protection before continuing without protection,” he said.
The court also heard that the man subsequently locked the victim inside the room before briefly leaving to fetch water.
Upon his return, he allegedly raped her again.
At around 9pm, the accused took the victim towards her homestead, but changed his route after discovering that her family members were still awake.
He ordered her to sleep at her uncle’s house, where she spent the night outside a kitchen.
The following day, the victim disclosed the ordeal to a fellow villager, who reported the matter to the police, resulting in the accused’s arrest.
The prosecution told the court the victim was mentally challenged, making her very vulnerable.
The magistrate, in passing sentence, took into account the circumstances of the offence and the vulnerability of the victim.
Meanwhile, a Dangamvura man has been arrested after police allegedly found him in possession of drugs, which included dagga, and Astrapain syrup, which was intended for illegal distribution in Mutare.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of Fortunate Mhondiwa of Dangamvura Area C.
He said detectives recovered dagga and other suspected dangerous substances from a vehicle he was using.
“The team of detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Drugs Department and Narcotics section was conducting patrols in Mutare when they received a tip-off that the accused was dealing in dangerous drugs at Max Shopping Centre,” said Asst Insp Chinyoka.
He said detectives proceeded to the shopping centre where they spotted Mhondiwa seated in a dark-coloured Toyota, registration number ACJ 0096, which was parked at the shopping centre.
“The detectives approached the vehicle and conducted a search, during which they recovered 184 sachets of suspected dagga and 750 100ml bottles of Astrapain syrup packed in a plastic bag,” he said.
“Mhondiwa was asked to produce a licence authorising him to possess or deal in the substances but failed to do so, leading to his arrest.
“The vehicle was also seized and is being kept as part of the exhibits in the case.
“During interviews, Mhondiwa told the detectives that his supplies were sourced from South Africa.”
He said the suspected dagga was weighed and had a total mass of 504 grammes.
He said the arrest was part of ongoing police operations targeting the possession, sale and distribution of illegal drugs and other controlled substances in Mutare.
“Police are continuing with operations targeting the possession, sale and distribution of dangerous drugs and other controlled substances.
“Members of the public are urged to provide information on suspected drug dealers to the police so that appropriate action can be taken.
“We continue to warn members of the public against possessing, selling or distributing dangerous drugs and other controlled substances.
“Anyone found on the wrong side of the law will be arrested and dealt with accordingly,” he said.
