News / National
Zimbabwe man forced to witness lover's rape in highway robbery
04 Jun 2025 at 09:29hrs | Views
A harrowing case of rape and robbery has shaken the Kuwadzana community after a 33-year-old man was assaulted and forced to watch as his 21-year-old lover was raped by two armed robbers along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.
The incident occurred late Monday night near the Kuwadzana turn-off when the couple's vehicle developed a mechanical fault at around 11pm. The man, identified as Richard Maravanyika, had pulled off the road and parked when two unidentified assailants emerged from nearby bushland.
According to police reports, one of the attackers struck Maravanyika on the head with a metal bar, causing him to fall unconscious. The robbers then tied his hands with a test meter cable and used his own t-shirt to bind his legs.
His partner, who was seated in the vehicle, was dragged out by one of the suspects, who was wielding a knife. The two men then took turns raping her while Maravanyika lay helpless, forced to watch the traumatic ordeal.
After the assault, the robbers searched and stole Maravanyika's cellphone and cash, as well as his partner's phone, before fleeing the scene.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the incident and said investigations are currently underway.
"Police are investigating a rape and robbery case that took place at the Kuwadzana turn-off along Bulawayo Road," said Inspector Chakanza.
Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. Police have also urged motorists to avoid isolated areas at night and to seek immediate assistance if faced with vehicle breakdowns in potentially unsafe locations.
The incident adds to growing concerns over rising violent crime and gender-based violence in the country, with rights groups calling for strengthened police patrols and support services for victims.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or use the national tip-off hotline.
The incident occurred late Monday night near the Kuwadzana turn-off when the couple's vehicle developed a mechanical fault at around 11pm. The man, identified as Richard Maravanyika, had pulled off the road and parked when two unidentified assailants emerged from nearby bushland.
According to police reports, one of the attackers struck Maravanyika on the head with a metal bar, causing him to fall unconscious. The robbers then tied his hands with a test meter cable and used his own t-shirt to bind his legs.
His partner, who was seated in the vehicle, was dragged out by one of the suspects, who was wielding a knife. The two men then took turns raping her while Maravanyika lay helpless, forced to watch the traumatic ordeal.
After the assault, the robbers searched and stole Maravanyika's cellphone and cash, as well as his partner's phone, before fleeing the scene.
"Police are investigating a rape and robbery case that took place at the Kuwadzana turn-off along Bulawayo Road," said Inspector Chakanza.
Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. Police have also urged motorists to avoid isolated areas at night and to seek immediate assistance if faced with vehicle breakdowns in potentially unsafe locations.
The incident adds to growing concerns over rising violent crime and gender-based violence in the country, with rights groups calling for strengthened police patrols and support services for victims.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or use the national tip-off hotline.
Source - The Herald
