In the community

Woman tortured, raped at gunpoint by married Lupane man

Published

5 months ago

August 13, 2024

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A young woman was on Saturday night subjected to a horrific ordeal when she was threatened with a gunshot, assaulted, and raped by a married man in Lupane.

The accused, a 50-year-old man, had been served supper by the victim, a 24-year-old woman, at his house in King Lobhengula Township.

According to the police memo, he then ordered her to accompany him to his workplace, in company of another friend.

Once at the workplace, the accused person invited the victim to his vehicle which was left parked outside. While inside, he pushed her to the ground, before removing her clothing and sexually assaulting her, despite her protests.

“The accused person started to undress the complainant removing her pant,” the report read.

“The complainant reprimanded the accused person’s behavior but he threatened to shot the matter with a gun which he claimed was kept at his work place.

“The accused person went on to remove complainant’s pant and pushed her down facing upwards before removing his pair of trousers and raping her.”

After the ordeal, he, again threatened to assault her further if she reported the incident.

The next day, the victim attempted to report the abuse to the accused person’s wife (21), but was met with violence.

“The accused person became violent and hit the complainant once on the thigh with an iron bar, but was reprimanded by a certain man who was passing by, allowing the victim to escape.”

The victim later reported the incident to the police and received medical attention.

The accused person was arrested, and investigations are ongoing.

Hwange

Vic Falls man up for raping 13-year-old girl at knifepoint

Published

6 days ago

January 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY LWANDILE TSHUMA

A 43-year-old man from Chinotimba, Victoria Falls, has been remanded in custody for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl at knifepoint.

The court heard that on October 10, 2024, the accused entered the complainant’s bedroom while she was alone, armed with a knife, and forcefully undressed her before committing the crime. He then threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.

The matter only came to light on January 12, when the young girl confided in her aunt about her ordeal.

The accused appeared before the court and was remanded in custody until January 28.

In the community

Crocodile attacks on the rise: Zimparks sounds alarm

Published

6 days ago

January 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in human-crocodile conflicts has prompted the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to issue a warning to the public to exercise extreme caution when near water bodies.

According to ZimParks, over 20 incidents of crocodile attacks have been reported in the past two months, resulting in eight fatalities and three serious injuries. The attacks have also posed a threat to livestock.

The most affected areas include the South East Lowveld, specifically Lundi, Tokwe Mukosi, and Lake Mutirikwi, which have recorded six incidents. The Central Region, including Munyati River, Kwekwe River, and Sebakwe River, has seen five incidents, while the Mid Zambezi area, comprising Lake Kariba, Hunyani River, and Angwa River, has also recorded five incidents.

ZimParks is urging the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions when engaging in domestic activities near water bodies.

Livestock owners are advised not to leave their animals unattended near rivers or lakes, as they may become easy targets for crocodiles.

“In light of these, the authority urges the public to exercise extreme caution around water bodies and remain alert while engaging in domestic activities near these areas to minimise the risk of crocodile attacks,”Zimaparks cautioned in a press statement.

“To minimize the risk of conflict with crocodiles, livestock should not be left unattended near rivers or lakes to prevent them from becoming easy targets for crocodiles.”

The authority reiterated its commitment to promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring safety and fostering respect for wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations.

Slider

Tsholotsho burglar lands six-month jail term

Published

7 days ago

January 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY COURT REPORTER

A Tsholotsho man’s life of crime came crashing down when he was sentenced to six months in prison for burglary.

Mengesi Sibanda, 26, from Susumani line, was convicted of stealing ZAR1600 in cash from a complainant’s bedroom on January 9.

The court heard that Sibanda had unlocked the complainant’s bedroom door and made off with the cash. He then gave ZAR1500 to his accomplice, Zikhiye Ncube, who transported the stolen money to South Africa and handed it over to Sibanda’s wife.

Meanwhile, Sibanda blew ZAR100 of the stolen cash on beer at local outlets.

In passing sentence, the Tsholotsho Magistrates’ Court condemned Sibanda’s actions, saying he had shown no remorse for his crime.

Sibanda was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of restitution. He will serve an effective six months behind bars.