Harare – Two brothers who embarked on a terrifying rape spree in Glen View’s Churu Farm area have finally been arrested, bringing an end to months of fear for residents.
Itai and Simon Madhogo appeared separately before regional magistrate Tilder Mazhande yesterday, facing multiple counts of rape, including the assault of several teenage girls. The brothers had been on the run since September.
The State’s case against Itai Madhogo details a series of horrific attacks. In the first instance, he allegedly targeted a 16-year-old girl at her home, falsely claiming to be an armed robber who had already apprehended her parents. He then forced her to show him how to open a parked car before dragging her to the council paddocks near Churu Farm and raping her. The prosecution alleges he further violated the victim by wiping himself with her underwear.
The second count against Itai involves an incident on October 27th, where he allegedly broke into another home at around 1am, armed with a gun. He is accused of raping the female occupant at gunpoint before fleeing the scene.
A third count details a similar incident on November 7th, where Itai allegedly broke into a home, threatened a woman with a gun, and then led her to fields near Emmanuel School before raping her.
The charges against Simon Madhogo centre on a separate incident in June. He is accused of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl from her home and subsequently raping her.
The arrest of the Madhogo brothers follows months of apprehension and uncertainty within the Churu Farm community. The brazen nature of the attacks, targeting vulnerable women and teenage girls, instilled widespread fear and anxiety among residents.
Police investigations, which involved extensive witness statements and forensic evidence gathering, ultimately led to the brothers’ apprehension. Their arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of the community.
The court heard detailed accounts of each alleged attack, highlighting the brutality and calculated nature of the crimes. The prosecution’s case relies heavily on witness testimony and forensic evidence, which will be crucial in determining the outcome of the trial. The alleged use of a firearm in some of the attacks adds a further layer of seriousness to the charges.
The magistrate remanded both Itai and Simon Madhogo in custody. They were advised to seek bail through the High Court, indicating the seriousness with which the court views these allegations.
The case is expected to proceed to trial, where the full extent of the brothers’ alleged crimes will be examined.
