Bar owner robbed, raped

Police in Dangamvura are investigating a disturbing case in which a bar owner was raped and robbed by an unknown armed assailant who broke into her premises in the high-density suburb.

The incident occurred on April 16 at around 10pm after the complainant had closed her bar for the night and locked herself inside.

According to police, the suspect - an unidentified male wearing a mask and armed with a knife - entered the bar through the back door and demanded cash.

He allegedly forced the woman to open the cashbox and stole US$380, leaving behind smaller amounts of cash including R340 and US$10 in low denominations.

The suspect then allegedly forced the victim towards the exit and indicated his intention to sexually assault her. He reportedly used a shoelace to tie her hands before raping her.

Police said the suspect went on to commit a second sexual assault before re-entering the bar, where he stole alcohol including branded spirits and ciders, as well as a mobile phone that was charging at the premises.

After the attack, the suspect untied the victim and fled the scene.

The woman later reported the matter at Dangamvura Police Station and was referred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for medical examination.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large, and are appealing for information that may lead to his arrest.