Online Reporter
DANISA MASUKU
A BULAWAYO woman’s evening took a horrifying turn when two knife-wielding thugs allegedly ambushed her, robbing her of cash before subjecting her to a brutal rape. The callous criminals then made off with her underwear and skin-tight clothing, leaving her traumatised.
The 23-year-old victim, whose name is being withheld for ethical reasons, had just collected US$500from Nketa 6 suburb after boarding a kombi from TM Hyper. According to a friend, the woman was on the phone confirming her arrival when she unknowingly caught the attention of her attackers.
“She called the person on her phone and told him that she was coming to collect the money and the person responded by saying he was waiting for her,” said her friend.
Upon disembarking, two unidentified men reportedly followed her. While she initially entered a house to collect her money, the lurking assailants waited patiently in the shadows.
“After collecting the money the woman left to board a kombi, on her way things turned nasty for her as two men who were lying in wait emerged from the darkness and grabbed her and slapped her on the face while ordering her not to scream. She could not scream,” the friend recounted.
The thugs then threatened her life, demanding money. Fearing for her safety, she handed over all the US$500 she had just collected.
“They dragged her to a dark spot and raped her. After that they took her panty and skin tight and fled into darkness,” her friend revealed.
The victim later reported the harrowing incident to Tshabalala Police Station.
Bulawayo Police Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, stating, “We confirm that a woman was robbed and raped at Nketa suburb. We would like to urge community members to be alert and never disclose anything pertaining to money in public places.”
EDITOR’S NOTE
At B-Metro, we do not publish stories of rape, sexual abuse or gender-based violence to shock, shame or entertain. We tell these painful stories to raise awareness, expose predators, and give a voice to the voiceless.
Our goal is to help survivors break the silence and show that justice is possible. We believe that talking about these issues openly can help remove the stigma and empower more victims to come forward.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual violence, help is available. Besides true churches of God, you can reach out to, among many organisations:
✅ Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) – trained officers are available at every police station who handle cases with sensitivity and confidentiality
✅ Musasa Project – 24/7 support, shelter and counselling for survivors of gender-based violence
Toll-Free Numbers:
Econet: 08080074.
NetOne: 08010074.
Telecel: 0731080074.
Email: [email protected].
Website: musasa.co.zw.
✅ Childline Zimbabwe – offers nationwide helpline service dedicated to children that runs 24 hours toll free, and is accessible by simply dealing 116.
✅ Adult Rape Clinic – medical care, counselling and legal support (based in Harare but also reachable nationwide)
24-Hour Toll Free Line 08080472
The Adult Rape Clinic is involved in awareness raising programmes for issues regarding Sexual and Gender Based Violence emphasising on response and prevention. We are currently reaching out to school, colleges, workplaces, churches.
✅ Family Support Trust – specialised support for sexually abused women and children.
Their toll-free number is 08080501. This line is available for those seeking support related to child sexual abuse and related issues.
You are not alone. You deserve justice. Speak out.
B-Metro stands with survivors.
