News / National
Robber searches for cash in woman's privates
05 Dec 2024 at 06:54hrs | Views
A Beitbridge woman testified this week about a horrifying ordeal during which an armed robber allegedly sexually assaulted her while searching for money during a robbery. The accused, Azion Kosiwe, is part of a gang whose other members are reportedly detained in Harare for murder.
Kosiwe appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba, facing robbery charges. The victim recounted the traumatic incident, describing how Kosiwe violated her during the attack.
"After ransacking my goods, he turned on me and inserted his fingers in my privates to see if I had hidden any money there. He insulted me and asked me why I soiled him," she testified.
The woman, visibly emotional, detailed the physical and psychological pain she endured, stating that she bled heavily following the assault. "I can easily identify him because of what he did. I remember him well and cannot forget the pain he caused me," she said.
The court heard that on January 19, 2024, the victim and a colleague boarded a vehicle in Beitbridge, believing it was heading to Harare. Prosecutor Ronald Mugwagwa said Kosiwe and his accomplices pretended to be offering a legitimate ride to unsuspecting passengers.
After traveling a short distance, the car veered off the main road onto a dust road, where the passengers were ambushed. One of the robbers brandished a knife, demanding money and valuables.
The victim lost $100 and her phones, while another woman was robbed of $300 and electronic devices. During the robbery, Kosiwe allegedly committed the sexual assault while searching the victim for hidden money.
During cross-examination, Kosiwe denied the charges and challenged the victim's ability to identify him. However, the victim maintained her identification, stating she had seen him in daylight prior to boarding the vehicle and vividly remembered him due to the traumatic encounter.
The trial has been adjourned to next week when the State is expected to call the second victim as a witness. The case continues to draw attention due to the severity of the allegations and the broader implications of organized crime in the Beitbridge area.
Kosiwe appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba, facing robbery charges. The victim recounted the traumatic incident, describing how Kosiwe violated her during the attack.
"After ransacking my goods, he turned on me and inserted his fingers in my privates to see if I had hidden any money there. He insulted me and asked me why I soiled him," she testified.
The woman, visibly emotional, detailed the physical and psychological pain she endured, stating that she bled heavily following the assault. "I can easily identify him because of what he did. I remember him well and cannot forget the pain he caused me," she said.
After traveling a short distance, the car veered off the main road onto a dust road, where the passengers were ambushed. One of the robbers brandished a knife, demanding money and valuables.
The victim lost $100 and her phones, while another woman was robbed of $300 and electronic devices. During the robbery, Kosiwe allegedly committed the sexual assault while searching the victim for hidden money.
During cross-examination, Kosiwe denied the charges and challenged the victim's ability to identify him. However, the victim maintained her identification, stating she had seen him in daylight prior to boarding the vehicle and vividly remembered him due to the traumatic encounter.
The trial has been adjourned to next week when the State is expected to call the second victim as a witness. The case continues to draw attention due to the severity of the allegations and the broader implications of organized crime in the Beitbridge area.
Source - newsday
