Online Reporter
A CONVICT rapist serving time at Khami Maximum Prison has been slapped with another 15-year sentence after being found guilty of sodomising his cellmate in a chilling overnight assault that shocked prison authorities.
Thabani Mhlanga (22) from Esigodini was sentenced by Western Commonage regional magistrate Sibongile Marondedze after being convicted of indecent assault.
Mhlanga, already serving a 15-year sentence for rape, now has an additional 15 years behind bars for attacking a fellow inmate while he slept.
He tried to buy the victim’s silence by giving him a blanket “to keep him warm at night” and even feigned memory loss when the case was brought before the courts.
Prosecutor Samantha Gubede told the court that the incident took place inside a shared cell at Khami Maximum Prison.
Mhlanga’s victim, a 24-year-old inmate, testified that he was fast asleep beside Mhlanga when he suddenly felt “unusual heat” on his behind.
He woke up to a nightmarish discovery of Mhlanga violating him.
The complainant said he immediately confronted Mhlanga, who remained silent.
He then ran to report the abuse to the cell leader, Charm Kunene.
Testifying in court, Kunene said he was woken up by the complainant in the middle of the night. The cell leader stated that when he confronted Mhlanga, he pulled a blanket over his head and kept silent.
Kunene also saw semen on the complainant’s hands and on Mhlanga’s blankets.
The court heard that Mhlanga begged for forgiveness and tried to bribe his victim with a blanket as “compensation”.
Kunene added that the next morning, he informed prison guards about the incident, and a report was made to the police.
Investigating officer Milos Nyamubachoto told the court that he visited the prison and confirmed that the two inmates shared a sleeping space. A medical examination confirmed bruises and clear signs of forced penetration.
Mhlanga, who had tried to feign ignorance about the incident by claiming memory loss, was convicted and sentenced to 15 more years, bringing his total jail time to 30 years.
The brutal incident has raised serious concerns over inmate safety in maximum-security prisons, with activists calling for increased monitoring and protection for vulnerable prisoners. — Bulawayo Bureau
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Drunken suitor assaults woman after rejection
A Kingsdale man turned from suitor to savage after being rejected, unleashing insults and fists on a woman who dared to say no to his drunken love proposal.
Arthur Maseko (27) was slapped with a US$100 fine by Bulawayo magistrate Maxwell Ncube after he admitted to assaulting the woman in a fit of rage.
Failure to pay will land him behind bars for two months. The courtroom was stunned as Mehluli Ndlovu, who represented the State, detailed the bizarre incident that occurred on July 10, 2025.
Maseko approached the woman, identified only as Dube, on the street and professed undying love and a whole lot of sweet nothings.
Maseko, who was said to be reeking of alcohol at the time, tried to sweet-talk Dube into giving him a chance, claiming she had caught his eye.
However, when Dube rejected him, the wannabe Casanova snapped. Witnesses say he mocked her over her appearance, telling her she was not even attractive and should feel “lucky” that a “handsome guy” like him was interested.
The unsolicited romantic advance quickly escalated into verbal abuse, followed by a violent outburst.
The court heard how Maseko’s tone shifted from flattering to furious in seconds and in a moment of anger, he struck Dube before storming off.
Trying to wriggle out of trouble, Maseko told the court he had been too drunk to remember anything. Instead of helping his cause, the remark put the final nail in his coffin.
The magistrate found him guilty of assault and warned that alcohol was no excuse for violence.
The courtroom held its breath as the story of love turned violent unravelled, leaving many in disbelief at how a simple rejection could lead to such a disturbing outcome.
“No means no” — and this time, it cost the self-proclaimed heartthrob his dignity, his wallet and possibly his freedom. — B-Metro
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Mutare man jailed for robbing nine-year-old at knifepoint
A 43-year-old Mutare man will spend the next three years behind bars after he robbed a nine-year-old boy of his bicycle using an Okapi knife.
Fungai Chihono of Chisamba village, Chief Zimunya, in Mutare, was convicted and sentenced by the Mutare Magistrates’ Court following the shocking incident that traumatised the minor.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the robbery occurred on May 2, 2025, around 5pm, while the young boy was cycling to a nearby shopping centre.
“Chihono threatened to stab the complainant with an Okapi knife before robbing him of his bicycle,” said the NPAZ in a statement.
The stolen bike, worth US$80, did not stay gone for long.
The boy’s relatives swiftly launched a manhunt, chased down the robber and recovered the bicycle before handing him over to the police.
Chihono was slapped with a five-year sentence, but two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour, meaning he will serve three years effectively.
“The NPA applauds the swift action of the victim’s relatives and reiterates the importance of respecting property rights,” the statement read. — Manica Post
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College principal jailed
for raping learner
A 45-year-old Harare college principal was sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a 16-year-old Form Three learner.
The pervert, whose name is being withheld to protect the victim, was caged by the Harare Magistrates’ Court after a despicable incident on June 13, 2025.
NPAZ reports that the principal and his young victim were returning from a sports event when he made his vile and shameless move.
Instead of dropping her off, the principal parked his car at the school reception, then slithered into the back seat.
He shamelessly tried to undress the terrified girl. When she bravely fought back, pinching his neck, the monster overpowered her and committed the heinous act.
The victim’s desperate screams caught the attention of a security guard, who approached the car.
The principal quickly dressed and tried to play it cool. The security guard spoke to him as he walked away from the vehicle.
The fiend then drove the traumatised girl home. The truth only emerged when the rapist made a fatal blunder. He called the victim on her mobile phone and she accidentally added her brother to the call.
Later, during counselling, the brave girl confided in her pastor, finally revealing her horrific ordeal.
The court threw the book at him, handing down a 12-year sentence. Three years were suspended, leaving him to rot at Chikurubi for a full nine years. — Harare Bureau
