News / National
Woman robbed, raped at prayer session
06 Dec 2024 at 17:06hrs | Views
Police in Mashonaland East have intensified efforts to apprehend a man accused of raping and robbing a 22-year-old woman in the Ngomakurira Mountains of the Domboshava area in Goromonzi.
The suspect, wielding a machete, allegedly threatened to kill the victim if she resisted. After committing the crime, he stole a mobile phone, two blankets, and US$5 from her, before fleeing the scene.
According to Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi, the incident occurred on November 20 when the woman visited the mountains to pray.
She initially joined two other women praying in the area, spending the night together in prayer. The next morning, the other women left, promising to return later. Left alone, the victim fell asleep under a Muhacha tree.
"She was awakened by the suspect, who was carrying a black travelling bag," said Inspector Chazovachiyi. "He falsely claimed to be security personnel for the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, accusing her of trespassing without payment. He declared her under arrest and ordered her to climb further up the mountain to meet others he claimed to have detained."
As they ascended, the man brandished a machete, threatening the victim and forcing her to comply. At the mountain's peak, he raped her twice, smoking cigarettes between the assaults. He then stole her belongings, including a navy blue Redmi 9A cellphone and two fleece blankets, before fleeing.
The victim reported the crime to ZRP Chinamhora the same day. Police estimate the total value of the stolen property at US$124.
Inspector Chazovachiyi confirmed that the victim was referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical examination and that investigations are ongoing.
"We urge members of the public with information that could lead to the suspect's arrest to come forward. We are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice," he said.
The incident has raised concerns about safety in the popular prayer and hiking destination, prompting calls for increased security measures in the area.
The suspect, wielding a machete, allegedly threatened to kill the victim if she resisted. After committing the crime, he stole a mobile phone, two blankets, and US$5 from her, before fleeing the scene.
According to Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi, the incident occurred on November 20 when the woman visited the mountains to pray.
She initially joined two other women praying in the area, spending the night together in prayer. The next morning, the other women left, promising to return later. Left alone, the victim fell asleep under a Muhacha tree.
"She was awakened by the suspect, who was carrying a black travelling bag," said Inspector Chazovachiyi. "He falsely claimed to be security personnel for the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, accusing her of trespassing without payment. He declared her under arrest and ordered her to climb further up the mountain to meet others he claimed to have detained."
The victim reported the crime to ZRP Chinamhora the same day. Police estimate the total value of the stolen property at US$124.
Inspector Chazovachiyi confirmed that the victim was referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical examination and that investigations are ongoing.
"We urge members of the public with information that could lead to the suspect's arrest to come forward. We are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice," he said.
The incident has raised concerns about safety in the popular prayer and hiking destination, prompting calls for increased security measures in the area.
Source - The Herald
