Women vendors robbed, raped by conman peddling fake deals

Two women vendors from Mvuma fell victim to a brutal robbery and rape at the hands of a conman in Masvingo City on Africa Day evening, after being lured by promises of discounted goods from South Africa.

The suspect, who claimed to be a truck driver transporting cheap Dragon energy drinks and foodstuffs, separately approached the women on the same day, offering them lucrative deals. The first woman was robbed of $300 and her cellphone at knifepoint, while the second lost $10 and her phone after being promised goods on credit.

Despite operating in the same market, the two women did not share information about the suspicious deals, reportedly due to jealousy. The man exchanged contact details with both victims, arranging to meet them on the day he said he would be traveling to South Africa to finalize the transactions.

According to sources at Exor, the suspect met the women at the open market in Mvuma. He first approached the initial victim, inquiring if she had money to buy discounted Dragon drinks for resale. After striking a deal and exchanging numbers, he contacted the second woman, offering to buy cheap potatoes and sugar with his own capital, proposing a profit-sharing arrangement due to her lack of funds.

The suspect continued communicating with the two women separately on WhatsApp until Africa Day. Around 3 pm in Masvingo City, the first victim met him at Chevron. Claiming his haulage truck could not be driven in residential areas, he led her on a route through Chitima Market and Mucheke Rank before diverting into a bushy area near Ndarama High School. There, he pulled out a knife, raped her, and stole her phone and $300 cash.

He then went to meet the second woman at Exor. After suggesting they visit Rujeko to collect an item, he walked with her along a bushy path and again produced a knife, raping her and stealing her phone and $10.

Both women reported the attacks later that night - one at Rujeko Police Station, the other at Chikato Police Station. However, Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed that the police had not yet received formal reports of the incidents.

Inspector Dhewa warned the public to be vigilant against cybercrime and scams involving fake business deals online. "Some individuals pretend to befriend clients online and lure them into fraudulent transactions, which can result in theft, robbery, and even sexual assault," he said.

He urged the public to only conduct business with trusted individuals and to be wary of offers promising cheap goods from South Africa. "Verify the authenticity of those you interact with online before engaging in any transactions or meetings," Inspector Dhewa added.

The suspect remains at large as investigations continue. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information to come forward to aid in the man's arrest and prevent further victimization.