Wenslus Murape
Zvikomborero Parafini
TWO people have been slapped with lengthy prison terms in separate cases involving rape and drug dealing in Bulawayo and Beitbridge.
In one of the cases, a 24-year-old Inyathi man was sentenced to 18 years in prison after he was convicted on two counts of rape by the Tredgold Regional Court in Bulawayo.
The man, whose name has been withheld to protect the identity of the victim, was convicted over an incident which occurred at Mhlotshwana Village in Inyathi on June 6.
The court heard that at around 11 pm, the man went to the home of the 31-year-old woman, where he allegedly threatened her and her boyfriend.
As the pair attempted to flee, he reportedly caught the woman and dragged her into a nearby bush where he raped her.
He raped her again during the same night. The matter was subsequently reported to the police and the woman was referred to hospital for medical examination, leading to the man’s arrest and eventual conviction.
In a separate case, Chipo Chimba (43) of Beitbridge was sentenced to an effective four years in prison after she was convicted of unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs.
The Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court initially sentenced Chimba to five years’ imprisonment, with one year suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The court heard that on September 17, detectives in Beitbridge received information that Chimba had dagga at Dulibadzimu bus terminus.
Acting on the tip-off, detectives went to the terminus and searched her luggage. They allegedly recovered five cobs of dagga concealed in a floral bedspread.
The dagga weighed 10kg and had an estimated street value of US$1 402. Police seized the drugs and arrested Chimba, leading to her prosecution and conviction.
Online Reporter