A harrowing incident of gang rape and robbery has unfolded in Harare, leaving a 29-year-old sex worker traumatised and robbed of her belongings. The attack allegedly involved three men, one of whom she had engaged for a night-time service.
The ordeal began on the evening of September 4th, when the X-rated lula lula specialist agreed to provide her juicy services to Edmore Manyange, whom she met at City Sports Bar on the corner of Robert Mugabe and Kaguvi Street.
After agreeing on a price of US$30 for the night, the pair left the bar around 10 PM, intending to go to Glen Norah, where the sex worker resides.
However, the journey took an unexpected and terrifying turn. Instead of travelling directly to Glen Norah, Manyange and the thigh vendor were picked up by two other men, friends of Manyange, who were driving a truck. These accomplices, who remain at large, offered to give the pair a lift.
As they approached the Kopje area, the driver, Manyange, stopped the truck. One of the unidentified accomplices then produced a bennet knife, threatening to kill the sex worker if she resisted or made any noise. The three men then proceeded to take turns raping her.
Following the horrific assault, the perpetrators drove to a nearby service station. There, they forced the victim into another vehicle, registration number ACI 1181. Before abandoning her, they robbed her of her bag, containing US$60 in cash and a cell phone valued at US$120.
The sex worker was eventually left on Rotten Row Road, where she was fortunately discovered by security guards. These guards provided assistance and escorted her to the police station, where she reported the incident.
Tinotenda Siringwani, one of the alleged perpetrators, appeared in court yesterday before Harare regional magistrate, Marewanazvo Gofa, to face charges related to the incident. The court heard the details of the brutal attack and the subsequent robbery. The other two men involved in the crime remain at large and are currently being sought by law enforcement.
This case highlights the significant dangers faced by lula lula vendors in Zimbabwe, who are often vulnerable to violence and exploitation.
The brutality of this particular incident underscores the urgent need for greater protection and support for this marginalised profession.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to apprehend the remaining suspects. The incident also exposes pervasive issue of gender-based violence and the vulnerability of individuals working in the world’s oldest profession, highlighting the need for increased awareness, stronger legal protections, and improved support services for victims.
