Lupane police apprehend serial robber and rapist targeting women
Lupane authorities have successfully apprehended a man who has been terrorizing the community, specifically targeting women for robbery and rape. Kholwani Ngwenya (41), residing in Holomoka village under Chief Mabhikwa, now faces charges of robbery and rape.
Ngwenya appeared before Lupane resident magistrate Ms Barbara Phiri, who remanded him in custody until Thursday when he is scheduled to appear at the Hwange Regional Court. The magistrate advised Ngwenya to apply for bail through the High Court.
According to prosecutor Ms Zandile Laureen Ndebele, Ngwenya would arm himself with an axe and ambush unsuspecting victims, threatening them before robbing them.
In the first incident, Ngwenya targeted a complainant walking along Gravel Road towards the Grain Marketing Board Lupane depot on March 11, around 3 pm. Emerging from the bushes with an axe in hand, Ngwenya confronted the victim, threatening her with harm. He forcefully grabbed her hand, dragged her into the bush, and took her cellphone. He then demanded that she undress, but she courageously refused. Fortunately, two passersby appeared, causing Ngwenya to flee with the stolen cell phone, leaving the traumatized complainant behind.
The second robbery occurred when Ngwenya targeted a female student walking towards Lupane State University. Blocking her path near Munzi Lodge, he demanded her iPhone and subsequently her money when she informed him she didn’t possess one. Ngwenya then dragged her into the bushes, forcing her to kneel with her hands raised. After ƨǝxuɑlly assaulting her and taking her cell phone, he ordered her to leave after removing and returning her SIM card.
Due to the vigilance of local residents, Ngwenya was apprehended on March 14 after attempting to rob an unidentified woman. Police discovered that he was in possession of the cell phone handsets belonging to the two complainants.
The arrest of Ngwenya brings relief to the community, particularly women who have been living in fear.
