Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A RAPIST who attacks victims while naked, wearing only a balaclava to conceal his face is on the prowl in Sakubva. The alarming incidents have heightened fears among residents in Sakubva, particularly in Chinyausunzi, where the first incident was reported.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident in which the rapist pounced on two student teachers in their rented apartment in Chinyausunzi area of Sakubva at midnight.
“On March 29 at approximately 11.30pm, two female students (names withheld to protect the victims) were asleep in their room when they were awakened by an unknown male intruder. The assailant was naked, except for a grey monkey hat covering his face, and was armed with a knife,” he said.
“The assailant threatened to stab the complainants with the knife if they screamed, and demanded cash and valuables. The complainants gave him US$36,” he said.
Following the robbery, the assailant ordered both victims to remove their pants and lie down.
“He masturbated and raped one of the complainants. He was reportedly bleeding as he left, although it could not be immediately ascertained where the bleeding stemmed from,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The victims immediately reported the incident to their neighbour, Eunice Sengwe, who alerted other residents and contacted the police.
A 70-metre blood trail was observed from the apartment by police officers who attended the scene.
“Upon arrival, police officers from Chisamba Police Station, accompanied by the canine section, observed significant bloodstains on the floor, blankets, and a wrapping cloth belonging to one of the complainants. A trail of blood extended approximately 70 meters from the scene, leading investigators to suspect that the assailant may have injured himself during the attack,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, adding that the following day, another disturbing incident occurred.
“A woman carrying her nine-month-old baby was walking along a footpath connecting Chisamba Singles and Chikanga Phase 3 via Sakubva 2 High School. She encountered three men seated under a tree, one of whom asked for the time. As she continued, two of the men followed, grabbed and dragged her into a nearby maize field,” he said.
Two of the men threatened the complainant with death if she screamed.
“They ordered her to untie the baby and put him on the ground, and she complied. They took turns to rape her,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
After the assault, the perpetrators stole the complainant’s Kgtel cellphone, valued at US$15, and fled the scene. The victim reported the incident at ZRP Sakubva.
No arrests have been made so far.
She was referred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for medical examination.
While police continue with their investigations, the local community in Chinyausunzi has been gripped by fear, with some residents now suspecting that the bizarre and brutal nature of the attacks may point to something more sinister — possibly a ritualistic motive.
Interviewing the two students attacked by the rapist proved impossible as they were still visibly traumatised and could not entertain the Press. However, Chinyausunzi residents voiced their growing fears and suspicions.
“This was not just a normal rape. The way he was dressed, naked with only a monkey hat, and the fact that he bled from his manhood during the second rape attempt makes us think it was a ritual rape. Maybe he wanted to use the students for something. It is so scary,” said Clara Chiriseri.
Another woman, Ruva Dhliwayo, a vendor in the area said she felt unsafe operating in an area where the attacks are happening. She said the pattern of the attack was chilling.
“We heard that he only raped one lady and failed to rape the second because he started bleeding from his manhood. That is not normal. We believe he was performing some kind of rituals, and maybe the spirit or charm backfired. Now we are scared. As women, we do not feel safe walking alone anymore, even in broad daylight. We are praying that the police will diligently do their work, identify and arrest him,” she said.
Mbuya Sarudzai Mutenha, an elderly resident of the area, said the community needs help.
“What is happening in Sakubva is not new. We have people doing things for money, rituals, or revenge. Now we are dealing with a monster hiding in plain sight. We are afraid and wonder who could be next?” she said, adding that since the incident, she has been escorting her teenage granddaughter to and from school, and will not allow her to run errands alone anymore.
“It is not safe anymore. If the police do not act fast, we might end up finding another victim dead next time,” she said.
The residents have called on both law enforcement and traditional leaders to work together in addressing the growing fears and strange details surrounding the case.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged the community to report any suspicious individuals or activities and to avoid walking alone, especially at night.
“We are treating both incidents seriously and investigations are underway. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects should come forward,” he said.
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