Goromonzi woman robbed, raped at prayer session

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

 

The suspect, armed with a machete, threatened to kill the 22-year-old woman if she ever resisted. After raping the woman, he robbed her of a mobile phone, blankets and US$5.

Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau

POLICE in Mashonaland East have launched a manhunt for a man who allegedly raped and robbed a woman in the Ngomakurira Mountains of Domboshava area in Goromonzi.

The suspect, armed with a machete, threatened to kill the 22-year-old woman if she ever resisted. After raping the woman, he robbed her of a mobile phone, blankets and US$5.

Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi said on November 20, the woman went to the Ngomakurira Mountains in the afternoon to pray.

He said she met two women who were also praying in the mountains and joined them. They spent the whole night praying together.

“On the next day, at around 6 am, the other two women went home but told the 22-year-old that they would return to resume prayers at around 5 pm. The woman remained behind, praying alone and later slept under a Muhacha tree in the mountains.

“She was awakened by the suspect, who was holding a black travelling bag. He asked her why she did not make a payment to be on the mountain, stating that the place was a protected place under the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe.

“He claimed to be part of the security personnel assigned to monitor movements on the mountain and told the woman that she was under arrest. He ordered the woman to climb the mountain further so that she could meet others whom he had purportedly arrested,” Inspector Chazovachiyi said.

“While they were climbing further and coming to the top of the mountain, the suspect pulled out a machete from his travelling bag and threatened to kill her if she refused to comply with his orders. He forced the woman to the mountain top and raped her once without protection. He then smoked three cigarettes before forcing her to undress a second time and raped her again.

“After the assault, he grabbed her handbag, searched it, and stole US$5 cash, a cream fleece blanket, an orange fleece blanket, and a navy blue Redmi 9A cellphone,” said Inspector Chazovachiyi.

He said the suspect then ordered the woman to remain seated at the scene while he left with her belongings. When she saw that he had gone, she climbed down the mountain and reported the assault to ZRP Chinamhora on the same day.

Inspector Chazovachiyi said the value of the stolen property was US$124 and nothing was recovered.

He said the woman was referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for  medical examination while investigations continued.