Two Bulawayo men, Nkosinathi Sibanda (21) and Patrick Mpofu (20), appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate, Mrs Sibongile Marondedze, on Wednesday, facing serious rape charges.
The pair are accused of gang-raping a woman on her way home from a funeral in Iminyela suburb. They were remanded in custody until October 17th.
The court heard that the attack occurred sometime in September. Sibanda, Mpofu, and two accomplices who remain at large, followed the woman as she walked home from a funeral service in Iminyela. Prosecutor Ms Melissa Dube detailed the horrific events that followed.
“When she reached an area near Iminyela Flats, one of the accused grabbed and tripped her and she fell to the ground. She tried to scream, but they covered her mouth,” said Ms Dube.
The woman was then subjected to a brutal gang rape, with the accused men allegedly taking turns to assault her. After the horrific ordeal, the victim managed to return to the funeral venue, where she sought help and reported the rape to the police. She was subsequently referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for a medical examination.
Acting on a tip-off, police launched an investigation and arrested Sibanda and Mpofu. However, the hunt continues for their two accomplices, who remain at large. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the outstanding suspects. The police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in their apprehension to come forward.
The case is expected to continue on October 17th, when the court will hear further evidence. The prosecution will aim to present a strong case to ensure that justice is served for the victim.
In Zimbabwe, rape cases often attract jail sentences of between 10 and 15 years and 20 years in extreme cases, depending on the age of the victim and circumstances surrounding the incident.
