Man rapes neighbour in vegetable garden

A 32-year-old Rusape man from Gwasira Village under chief Makoni has been arrested for allegedly raping his 21-year-old neighbour in a vegetable garden, Manicaland police said.

Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Clean Muzondiwa confirmed the arrest of Joel Karani.

"The complainant was on her way to her garden when the accused followed, grabbed her hand before tripping her to the ground and raping her once.

"The suspect immediately fled from the scene," he said. The complainant narrated her ordeal to a neighbour who advised her to make a police report.

Meanwhile, Assistant Inspector Muzondiwa appealed to the public, especially women, to avoid walking alone in isolated places. He made the call as he also confirmed another rape incident which occurred in the province last week.

"A 22-year-old woman was raped at Kairezi Sawmill under Chief Tangwena in Nyanga on her way to Matema Business Centre by a man who is still at large," said Insp Muzondiwa.

"On October 13 the complainant was on her way to Matema Business Centre when she was approached by an unknown man who offered to accompany her. Upon her refusal the young lady was wrestled to the ground and raped. As police we would like to urge women to avoid walking alone at night or in secluded places."