Man falls asleep after raping a woman

A 35-year-old Beitbridge man who fell asleep after allegedly raping a woman has been sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison after his victim escaped and raised the alarm while he was still asleep.

Adam Sibanda, of Malala Village under Chief Sitaudze, was convicted of rape by the Beitbridge Magistrates' Court.

Magistrate Charity Maphosa sentenced him to 17 years' imprisonment, with two years suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the specified period, leaving him to serve an effective 15-year jail term.

The court heard that on November 21, 2025, the 48-year-old complainant was alone at her home when Sibanda arrived and asked to be let inside, claiming he wanted shelter from the rain.

The complainant refused to open the door, but Sibanda allegedly found an unsecured window and forced his way into the house.

Realising the intruder had entered, the woman unlocked another door and attempted to flee. However, Sibanda allegedly chased after her, caught her outside and dragged her back into the house.

He then allegedly forced her onto a bed and raped her once.

According to court proceedings, Sibanda fell into a deep sleep shortly after the assault, giving the complainant an opportunity to escape.

She ran to her mother's nearby home and reported the incident.

The two women returned to the house and found Sibanda still asleep and naked on the bed. They alerted neighbours, who quickly gathered outside the house.

Sibanda eventually woke up after hearing noise from the crowd and escaped through a window before he could be apprehended.

He was later arrested, prosecuted and brought before the court.

Olivia Chamutinya prosecuted the matter on behalf of the State.