Three Bulawayo Prison inmates – Bhekimpilo Sinyoro (30), Thabo Ncube (24), and Arnold Chemhere (29) – appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Joseph Mabeza on Tuesday, facing charges of rape. The alleged victim, a 20-year-old fellow inmate at Bulawayo Prison, reported being sexually assaulted by the trio during a power outage on December 29, 2024, at approximately 9 PM.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, represented by Dominic Moyo, the incident unfolded when Sinyoro initially approached the victim, inviting him to sleep closer. Upon the victim’s refusal, Sinyoro returned with Ncube, and together they forcibly dragged the complainant to their sleeping area. There, the victim was forced to lie on his side while Chemhere allegedly covered his face with a blanket, holding him down.
The prosecution detailed the subsequent assault. With the victim struggling, Sinyoro allegedly unbuttoned his shirt and, with the assistance of Ncube and Chemhere, forcibly removed his shorts. Sinyoro then allegedly sodomised the victim. Remarkably, after the victim managed to break free, the trio offered him rice and beans.
The court heard details of the accused men’s criminal histories. Ncube has a prior conviction for malicious damage to property and is scheduled for release on February 1, 2025. Chemhere was previously convicted of unlawful entry in aggravating circumstances. Sinyoro, having recently completed a 30-day sentence for theft, was arrested immediately upon his release from prison.
The alleged incident highlights serious security concerns within Bulawayo Prison. The fact that a rape could occur within the prison walls during a power outage raises questions about the adequacy of security measures and the safety of inmates. The incident also underscores the vulnerability of prisoners, particularly those who may be perceived as weaker or less able to defend themselves. The alleged actions of the three accused represent a gross violation of the victim’s human rights and a breach of the trust placed in the prison system to protect those in its custody.
The case has been adjourned, and the three accused men have been remanded in custody until January 25, 2025, awaiting trial. They are represented by lawyer Takunda Chipisa. The prosecution’s case relies heavily on the victim’s testimony and any forensic evidence collected.
Shereni appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa in November 2024 facing aggravated indecent assault charges. The prosecution, led by Anesu Chirenje, alleges that the incident occurred on October 29th in Cell E, where Shereni and the complainant shared a cell. According to the prosecution, Shereni took advantage of the complainant, who was asleep and naked, to sodomise him without protection. The complainant awoke to a sharp pain and screamed, alerting other inmates who intervened.
The case came to light when Shonai, serving a sentence for rape, reported experiencing anal pain and revealed the consensual sexual act with Dlomo to prison guards. The details of Dlomo’s sentence were not disclosed in court.
Prosecutor Audrey Kufandikamwe outlined the state’s case, stating, “The matter came to light when the second accused experienced anal pain and subsequently disclosed that he had engaged in consensual anal sex with the first accused person.”
The alleged incident occurred on August 11th when the three accused and the 20-year-old complainant were in their cells. Mazorodze allegedly directed the complainant to move to Cell C2, where Ngwerume and Chinobhururuka were among other inmates.
According to the State’s case, the complainant woke up in the middle of the night to find Ngwerume touching him inappropriately. When the complainant refused to comply with Ngwerume’s demands, he was allegedly assaulted by Ngwerume, Chinobhururuka, and Mazorodze.
Chinobhururuka then produced a bottle and forced the complainant to drink its contents, causing him to feel dizzy. The three accused then allegedly took turns to sexually assault the complainant.
