Esigodini man in court for rape, robbery

A 32-year-old man from Bafazi Village, Esigodini, Patson Ndlovu, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Taurai Manuwero facing charges of rape and robbery. He pleaded not guilty to both allegations and was remanded to September 15, 2025, for further hearing.

The victim, a 33-year-old nurse, told the court that Ndlovu ambushed her on October 28, 2022, while she was walking to work for her night shift. She identified him despite his attempt to cover her face during the attack. "He is short and has a wound next to his nose. I saw him before he covered my face, and that is the man who raped me," she testified.

According to the prosecution, Ndlovu allegedly waited in the bushes near a railway bridge, armed with an axe. He reportedly grabbed the nurse, dragged her into the bush, forced her to lie down, covered her face with his worksuit jacket, undressed her, and raped her. He then stole US$20 from her handbag using her umbrella to shield her face before fleeing.

The nurse received medical attention, and a report detailing her injuries was submitted as evidence. Police investigations led to Ndlovu's arrest, and the case continues in court.